A mother who created a sensory garden at Royal Oldham Hospital in memory of her nine-year-old daughter is appealing for help to save the space from disrepair.

Julie Ryan’s daughter Jordan Leah Ryan died suddenly of epilepsy in 2013. Following her death, Julie and her husband Noel spent two and a half years planning a sensory sea-life garden at Royal Oldham in her memory and to give back to the hospital staff that cared for her.

Julie, from Royton, who volunteers as a gardener at Royal Oldham, said: “Staff at the hospital cared for Jordan from when she first became poorly at six months old up until she died.

The Oldham Times: The garden when it first opened (left) and how it looks currently The garden when it first opened (left) and how it looks currently (Image: Julie Ryan)

“We wanted to give something back as a thank you, so we created the garden near the children’s ward which includes a picnic area for the children and the staff.

“I also planted Magnolia, as I used to give Jordan Magnolia on her birthday, fruit trees, and vegetable boxes which people can help themselves to.”

Ten years after Jordan’s death Julie is hoping to revitalise the garden which has fallen into disrepair after being left unattended during the Covid pandemic and while construction was carried out at the hospital.

She said: “It’s a children’s garden and I’m looking to renew it with new plants, toy pirate ships and mermaids. I want it to be bright and colourful for the children, but I need support.”

The Oldham Times: The garden has become overgrown The garden has become overgrown (Image: Julie Ryan)

 

The garden first opened to children and staff at Royal Oldham in 2014 but was officially opened by the then Mayor of Oldham councillor Derek Heffernan in 2017.

Ahead of the opening Julie received donated plants from shops and organisations and brought back sand, bags of shells, and seaweed from Blackpool to decorate the seaside escape.

Explaining why she chose the Blackpool theme Julie said: “Jordan loved Blackpool and what child doesn’t like Blackpool?”

Julie has invited anyone who wishes to donate towards the garden to contact her on 07786295051.