Florist sends wreath to war hero after ban overturned

A FLORIST has donated a wreath to the widow of an Iraq war hero who was blocked from placing plastic flowers on her husband's grave.

Louise Petinou, of Forever in Flowers in Cheltenham's Albion Street, heard of Lesley Hill's devastation after the plastic flowers were removed for breaking burial ground rules.

Mrs Hill, 51, of Brockworth, had been leaving flowers at the grave, next to St George's Churchyard, for her husband Mark for the past four years but had her artificial wreath removed.

Brockworth parish councillors voted to change the rules to allow plastic flowers after councillor Godfrey Browning said fresh flowers were expensive in the winter.

Mrs Petinou, 28, said: "We make artificial wreaths and we would like to offer a free arrangement now she is able to put it on her husband's grave.

"I heard that the lady has had a bereavement and I know how difficult it can be.

"I lost my daughter Christina last year and it is so terrible to have to deal with the loss without having to worry about what flowers you can put for them and things like that. It is such a horrendous time and I really feel for her.

"I heard that Brockworth Parish Council did a U-turn on their decision and we are happy to give Mrs Hill this wreath, heart or a cross of flowers in a colour of her choice".

Mrs Hill's husband Mark died, aged 47, in 2004, from a heart attack while on holiday in Mexico.

The Territorials Corporal had returned from a tour of duty in Iraq with the Rifle Volunteers, attached to the Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment, now The Rifles.

Mrs Hill said she was pleased to accept Mrs Petinou's gesture, which was "a lovely thought".

She said: "I think it is fantastic, it is really nice of her and I will be honoured to receive them."