Royal Oldham garden made in young girl's memory reopens

Jordan Leah Ryan died suddenly of epilepsy in 2013 when she was just 10 years old, having spent much of her life in and out of hospital.

Following Jordan's death, her mother and father, Julie and Noel Ryan, 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.

The garden fell into disrepair during the Covid pandemic after it was left unattended and while works at the hospital were being carried out.

Now, it has been officially reopened on what would have been Jordan's 21st birthday.

Jordan Ryan, left, and the garden made in her memory (Image: Julie Ryan)

Alistair Craig, Oldham Chief Officer said: “It is heartbreaking to lose a child with the memorial garden being a place of reflection in honour of Jordan. 

“A huge thank you to Julie who has spent many hours making a beautiful area that can be enjoyed by all including children.”  

Mrs Ryan, who volunteers as a gardener at Royal Oldham, previously said that she developed the garden to give back to hospital staff who cared for her daughter.

Julie Ryan at the official opening of the garden (Image: Julie Ryan)

The mother, from Royton, explained: “Staff at the hospital cared for Jordan from when she first became poorly at six months old up until she died.

“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.

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“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.”

Mayor of Oldham, Dr Zahid Chauhan, was in attendance for the reopening, seven years after then Mayor of Oldham, former councillor Derek Heffernan, officially opened the garden in 2017.