By Lauren Maughan

Last updated at 13:22, Wednesday, 01 August 2012

A florist is hoping to spread a ray of sunshine to a hospice by selling sunflowers, with the proceeds going to the charity.

Suzanne Hodgson

Suzanne Hodgson, 44, owner of Aroma Florist in the Market Hall, Carlisle, said she hoped to make a difference with the money raised for the city’s Eden House Children’s Hospice.

She said: “Most people know someone who has cancer, or have been affected in some way BY IT, and I think it is a really worthwhile charity.

“For those who do not have first-hand experience, it is hard to appreciate the work they do.

“A lot of their work goes unnoticed and every little bit of money raised will really help them.”

The sunflowers cost £2 each with £1.50 of that going to the hospice.

Suzanne explained that even though she has only just started selling the flowers there has been a great reception from the public.

“Some people are putting money in without even buying a sunflower.

“A bride came in to buy her wedding flowers and chose the sunflowers for the bouquets. She will be representing the charity at her wedding which is a really nice idea.”

In the past two days Suzanne has collected around £50 for the charity and hopes people will continue to buy the flowers for the hospice. But as she explained it is still early days.

“Even if the money buys some colouring pencils for the children. It will be really appreciated,” she said.

Eden House Children’s Hospice have a sunflower as its logo, which is why Suzanne decided to pick this flower to sell.

Having had the idea a few weeks ago, Suzanne decided to kick-start her fundraising idea when the cost price of sunflowers came down this week.

Thelma Stewart, a customer at the florist, said: “I think this is a really great cause. The flowers are lovely and what Suzanne is doing is great.”

Matt Boyle, head of marketing and fundraising at Eden House Children’s Hospice, said: “We are delighted with Suzanne’s fundraising efforts to raise money for the children and their families.

“Hopefully, people will not only give generously, but also display the sunflowers for all to see and help to make people more aware of the hospice.

“We want to say a big thank you to everyone who has supported Suzanne with her fundraising.”

First published at 11:29, Wednesday, 01 August 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk