'Modest' florist set to raise hundreds of pounds with her latest creations

A kind-hearted florist looks set to raise hundreds of pounds with her latest nature-inspired bouquets and wreaths.

Vicky Orves Marshall, from Bardwell, has already touched the hearts of many by giving away free bouquets during lockdown.

The 49-year-old gave away one bouquet a week for 12 weeks to NHS and key workers to lift their spirits.

Now Vicky, who runs Victoria Floristry, has teamed up with the Bury and West Suffolk branch of the Samaritans to offer two floral raffle prizes. Already tickets have raised more than £200.

“It’s going really well, said Vicky,

“Someone from the Samaritans asked if I would make a couple of bouquets after they learned about those I had been donating to key workers during lockdown. I was only too pleased to help.”

Vicky has run her floristry business for 10 years after first studying garden design and working in commercial horticulture

People nominated a key worker for a bouquet through her Facebook page, and her son, Sam, 14, would select a winner at random.

The Victoria Floristry social media page also became a place where people would connect during the restrictions.

“Amongst the nominations people would also share their personal stories. Some were heartbreaking, and made me cry,” said Vicky.

“Flowers are always very emotive and do help connect people and I think emotions were heightened during lockdown.

“It was also lovely to be able to bring a bit of happiness and joy to to those on the frontline.”

Vicky sent bouquets to a range of key workers including nurses, care workers, postal workers, and a garage cashier.

“I am delighted to now help the Samaritans. Raffle tickets are a fiver each,” said Vicky.

“The work they do is fantastic and they help so many people.”

Vicky is modest about her achievements.

“People did so many wonderful and amazing things during lockdown,” she said. “All I did, really, was give away a bunch of flowers. But I found it so rewarding and it’s such a lovely thing to be able to do.”

For tickets for her latest raffle creations, visit Victoria Floristry . Tickets will be on sale until September 26, when the draw will be made.