Florist's daffodil campaign wins national support

Florist Belinda Campopiano decided to do her own bit to raise money for the annual Marie Curie daffodil appeal ... by selling fresh daffodils.

Now her initiative - known as the Great FRESH Daffodil Campaign - has been adopted by other florists around the country who want to help mark the 30th anniversary of the Marie Curie appeal this year.

Belinda, who runs the Cuckfield-based florist www.chezfleur.co.uk, said: “We are encouraging all florists to sell daffodils and to make a donation to the charity.”

Among those supporting Belinda’s campaign is royal floral designer Shane Connolly - who provided the flowers at the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

He said: “I was thrilled to hear of this new initiative to commemorate the 30th year of the Marie Curie Daffodil Appeal by having florists around Britain sell British grown daffodils and donate some of the profits to Marie Curie.

“I strongly feel that it’s our duty in the industry to make the public more aware of British grown flowers. To be able to do this, and help raise funds for Marie Curie at the same time, is an opportunity not to be missed.”

l Belinda will be hosting a flower arranging demonstration and workshop at The Talbot in Cuckfield on March 16.