Seaside sensory space to remember little girl

IN MEMORY. . . Julie and Noel Ryan in the sensory garden created in memory of their daughter Jordan

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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."