Rosa Ross - Rotary Young Citizen Awards 2025

In January 2024, Rosa Ross was diagnosed with stage four non-Hodgkin lymphoma, but that didn't stop her from continuing her Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Despite the challenges, she adapted her approach to the volunteering section of the award by leading activities for the young patients on her ward, turning her hospital experience into an opportunity to help others. Rosa offered support to those who were worried about losing their hair, despite undergoing chemotherapy and experiencing hair loss herself.


Rosa’s volunteering didn’t stop there, she went on to volunteer with Guides and Brownies, helped organise a school fundraiser during childhood cancer awareness month and helped with LoveOliver, Childhood Cancer Research and Practical Support for Families.

Rosa’s hospital experience also gave her the confidence to speak up for herself and others by joining the Teenage Cancer Trust’s advisory group and a girl guides advisory board to talk about making guides inclusive and accessible to people in hospital or with long term health conditions.

Rosa was nominated by Rotary Leith

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Young people from across the country have had their inspiring volunteering, fundraising and social impact recognised by Rotary in the annual Rotary Young Citizen Awards.

To find out more about Rotary’s work supporting young people, visit: www.rotarygbi.org/young-people