A NEW memorial garden and play area has opened at the Shannon Bradshaw Trust in memory of a little girl who suffered from the same devastating disease as Shannon.

Olivia Mae Conway died in November 2016 after contracting sepsis on completion of a bone marrow transplant.

The two-year-old, from St Helens, suffered from aplastic anaemia, which Great Sankey infant Shannon also suffered with.

Olivia’s mum, Charlene Harrison, wanted to keep her memory alive and connect with Shannon’s family who had been through a similar time.

Charlene, 36, said: “Before Olivia passed away, we were trying to organise a holiday for her through the Shannon Bradshaw Trust.

“I wanted to donate Olivia’s bouncy castles to the Shannon Bradshaw Trust, so I got in contact with Patti and she suggested creating Olivia’s Corner.”

Olivia’s dad Craig helped to pave the area and laid out flags to make the area more accessible.

Signs, toys and AstroTurf were donated, and the garden area was officially opened on Friday by Charlene and the trust.

On the day Charlene and the charity handed out angel packs from Angel Parents UK, a group which supports bereaved parents.

Charlene added: “We came together and seeing the other children playing in the area was lovely and exactly what Olivia would have wanted."

She also praised the work of the Anthony Nolan Trust, who arranged Olivia’s bone marrow transplant.

“Her bone marrow had worked well and she would still have been alive had she not contracted sepsis," she added.

“I’m so grateful for the Anthony Nolan Trust and to the 22-year-old girl who donated her bone marrow.”

A bench with Olivia’s name on it also helps to keep her memory alive in the garden based at the trust base in Penketh.

Charlene hopes to visit the garden twice a month and plans to restock the toys over time.

“I want to say a huge thank you to the Shannon Bradshaw Trust for allowing us to open Olivia’s Corner,” she added.