Wye Valley Flowers raise £327 for breast cancer charity

WYE Valley flowers recently held a successful event in aid of a breast cancer support, raising £327 for the cause.

The flower shop, located in St Briavels in the Forest of Dean, held its 10th anniversary of its first fundraising event on September 5. The event, which is held every couple of years, raises money and awareness for Breast Cancer Now.

Members of the community attended the event, where they were able to enjoy cake and tea listen to live music, try wellbeing treatments, make a heart shaped post-surgery cushion and socialise with others at the event.

“Our Boob-a-thon was a huge success!” said Founder and owner of Wye Valley Flowers, Jo Thompson.

“We had a range of craft stalls, including Witherwood Designs and Tracy Little Crochet. Claire from Movement Mind Massage also provided reflexology and well-being tasters for donations,” added Jo.

There was plenty of entertainment for the community to enjoy throughout the event.

“We were joined by the Bella Mamas Choir, and it has now grown into a wonderful community group. They sang songs connected to the heart, representing the heart-shaped post-surgery cushions we were making,” said Jo.

The event also saw a group of talented sewers come along with their sewing machines to make 25 cushions which they are donating to a local breast cancer centre.

“I know from my own surgery these cushions are an invaluable part of the early recovery after a mastectomy, especially after painful lymph removal,” continued Jo.

“The event means a lot to me personally and I was overwhelmed by the attendance, generosity and support given by community. We raised £327 in total, made 25 heart-shaped cushions, gave out leaflets and advice on self-checking prosthetics and well-being. We also sold refreshments and bunches of ‘breast cancer pink’ themed flowers for donations.”