THE mum of a popular teenager who died suddenly on Sunday says she will cherish the many memories she created with her son as she comes to terms with his death.

Maria Hardiman, from Chapelford, has bravely opened up about the moment her life was turned upside down when she discovered her 18-year-old son Ryan Diamond had died at his grandma’s house in Burtonwood.

While there are many unanswered questions surrounding his death, the 36-year-old says the family have taken comfort from the outpouring of love and support for her son who ‘touched the lives of so many’.

She said: “He was stubborn like most teenagers but he was one of those kids who, no matter what mood he was in, would shout ‘I love you’ as he left the house.

“I will never forget that.”

Ryan, who grew up in Burtonwood and Chapelford to proud parents Maria Hardiman and dad Paul Diamond, had dreams of becoming an architect.

With the support of his family including stepdad Andrew Swann and stepmum Sharon Diamond, the former Burtonwood Community Primary School pupil was studying art and design at Warrington and Vale Royal College, formerly the Collegiate, so he could pursue his dream career.

“He enjoyed school. I could never get him up in the morning but he always went,” said Maria, who is also mum to Ryan’s six-year-old sister Lillie and three-week-old baby brother Billy.

“He loved drawing. He would sit with his earphones in and draw for hours. 

“All his teachers from school said he never did the work but he always had time for artwork on the front of his books.

“At first he wanted to be a graphic designer but in the past few months he wanted to go into architecture.

“He actually told someone on Saturday night that he wanted to be an architect. He had plans for the future which is why it doesn’t make sense.

“I have spoken to all his close friends over the past two days and, from the stories I have been told, it has always been the other way around. 

“Ryan has always been the one who has supported them and helped them through any issues.”

Maria last spoke to her son, who recently celebrated his 18th birthday on January 9, on Friday when he asked her to book him a driving lesson.

He went on a shopping trip to the Trafford Centre on Saturday with friends before going to the Chapel House Inn in Burtonwood.

Ryan then went into Warrington town centre with two friends before returning to his grandma’s house at 3.30am on Sunday where he shared a drink with his uncle.  

But on Sunday morning Maria received a knock on the door which is every parent’s worst nightmare.

“I just ran outside to get in the car but the police told me to get in the patrol car. We followed the paramedics as they had come to my house instead of my mum’s,” she said.

“All I knew was that Ryan was unconscious. I didn’t realise the extent but then no-one would let me go upstairs. That’s when I knew.”

Parents Maria and Paul, who is dad to Sienna, five, and Ellie, 10, must now wait to hear more details about the circumstances surrounding Ryan’s death as a coroner’s report is prepared for the inquest, which is expected to take place later this year. 

The head teacher of Great Sankey High School Paula Crawley, where Ryan attended, described the news of his death as 'heartbreaking'.

She said: "The loss of Ryan has been felt hard by his friends, and our staff.

"Support systems have been put in place for those who have been affected.

"As a student from 2011 to 2016, Ryan was a talented artist with a keen eye for graphic design and he regularly received recognition from his art and ICT teachers for his attention to detail and limitless creativity.

"Following the completion of his GCSEs with us in 2016, we were extremely proud of Ryan when he pursued his ambition to progress onto an art and design course at college.

"During his time with us at Great Sankey High School, Ryan was a passionate individual, with a wicked sense of humour and a love of music, who always wore his heart on his sleeve.

"He had a heart of gold and was such a generous person, regularly giving his support to his form's fundraising, while also remaining extremely loyal and committed to his friends.

"Ryan will be remembered fondly by everyone here at Great Sankey High School and, in the words of one of his favourite bands and as quoted by himself in his year 11 yearbook, his memory will ‘Live Forever’."

A memorial evening organised by one of Ryan’s friends will take place on Sunday at 7pm on Mary Ann Meadows where friends and family will be raising a shot of Jack Daniel’s, his favourite drink, in memory of the former Great Sankey High School pupil. 

Anyone who knew Ryan, who enjoyed playing rugby for the Burtonwood Bulldogs, is welcome to attend. 

Ruby Johnson, Ryan’s ex-girlfriend, has also set up a fundraising page to make sure the teenager is given ‘the send-off he deserves’.

Around £3,500 had been raised in his memory and to help cover the cost of the funeral.

To make a donation click here.

If you have been affected by this story call the 24-hour Samaritan's helpline on 116123.