Gardenia Florists in Freshwater achieved Interflora status and had a raffle in aid of St Mary’s respiratory department. Picture by Peter Boam.
GARDENIA Florists in Freshwater has celebrated achieving Interflora status — with a shop re-opening party.
Although the business never actually closed, owner Catherine-Ann Milford decided the occasion should be marked by inviting customers to join in the celebrations.
The event included a charity raffle to raise money for a new pulse oximeter machine, at St Mary’s Hospital, which helps measure patients’ cardio-respiratory systems.
Lynn Fisher, who has mesothelioma, held the raffle and she was invited to cut a ribbon to officially unveil the shop in Avenue Road.
"I have received outstanding support since I was diagnosed and although I can’t raise money by doing runs or walks, I can sell raffle tickets," said Mrs Fisher.
Around 20 members of the public enjoyed drinks and refreshments at the reopening party.