A florist has donated 300 roses to nurses at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

“We felt there was no one more deserving than nurses on the frontline of treating patients in Bermuda, to get a rose thanking them for their service,” said Demco owner Carmen Phillips.

“Last year as we were coming out of lockdown, I thought we had to give a big show of support to KEMH nurses, something to brighten their day. It was completely coincidental that it was also the start of nurse’s month,” added Mrs Phillips.

It is officially nurses’ week, but the hospital always celebrates for the month.

“I wanted to repeat it this year, especially after the recent surge in COVID-19 cases and the stay-at-home and curfew orders in place.

“I thought, ’let’s do it just ahead of one of busiest times, Mother’s Day. It brightens the spirit of the Demco team whenever we are able to gift our beautiful blooms to deserving groups.”

Three boxes filled with the 300 individually wrapped orange, yellow, red and pink roses were joyfully accepted by Bermuda Hospitals Board Chief of Nursing Judy Richardson.

“This is the second year that Demco have surprised us with this wonderful gift,” she said. “They called us about two days ago so that we could be on hand to accept them. It is a truly spirit-lifting gesture for all our nurses. No one is expecting it. As we deliver the roses, excitement erupts in the departments.

“Everyone is happy. We thank Mrs Phillips for choosing to reward our dedicated, hard working nurses in this way.”