Seaside sensory space to remember little girl
Reporter: Beatriz Ayala
Date published: 12 May 2017
MEMORIES of a much-loved daughter will live on in a sensory garden which was officially opened at the Royal Oldham Hospital.
Julie and Noel Ryan, from Royton, lost their nine-year-old daughter Jordan Leah Ryan from sudden unexpected death in epilepsy in 2014.
The couple wanted to give something back to the hospital and to other families and have spent the past two-and-a-half years planning a sensory sea-life garden, for which they collected donated items.
Keen gardener Julie was determined to create a welcoming space for children to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the seaside right in the heart of Oldham.
She has been collecting donated plants from shops and organisations, and has brought back sand, bags of shells and even seaweed from Blackpool to decorate the garden.
The garden was officially opened with dignitaries, including the Mayor of Oldham Councillor Derek Heffernan, in attendance on Saturday.
Julie said: "I really enjoy gardening and wanted to do something on my own, so creating a site for everyone to enjoy has been great.
"We've had so many donations from across the borough, including the garden fencing from the Hospital League of Friends and one lady who donated the cartoon figures. The hospital staff have been fantastic and it's wonderful to give something back to other families and to remember our daughter Jordan."
Most Viewed News Stories
- 1Milan Bar in Lees and The Bank at Delph close doors with immediate effect
- 2Latics announce retained list
- 3Punch perfect Kyle is Oldham's latest national boxing champ
- 4Attack on shop worker filmed and posted on Snapchat results in jail sentence for Oldham man
- 5Second-hand music, books and media shop opens in Mossley