Special garden created in memory of local broadcaster Dianne Oxberry

A special garden has been created in memory of a much-loved local broadcaster, with the aim of raising awareness of the disease which she died from three years ago. 

The Dianne Oxberry Rose Garden, which has been opened at MediaCity today (30th June) by Dianne’s husband Ian and her friend and fellow broadcaster Sally Nugent, includes special messages to help visitors to Salford Quays understand the symptoms of ovarian cancer. 

Family, friends, TV and radio stars and charity supporters gathered together for a special ceremony today, to declare the garden officially open. 

“This year, on World Ovarian Cancer Day, which was also the third anniversary of us setting up the Dianne Oxberry Trust charity in her name, we launched a year-long campaign aimed at raising awareness of the potential signs to look out for when it comes to ovarian cancer,” said Ian Hindle, Dianne’s husband. 

“We are really excited to be opening this special garden at MediaCity, not only as a beautiful space for people to reflect and remember both Dianne and others whose lives have been affected by this disease, but also a place where we can continue to spread the word about its symptoms. 

“Speed of diagnosis is key when it comes to better outcomes for ovarian cancer, and we want people to know what to look out for so they can hopefully see their GP as soon as possible. 

“Many of the symptoms will probably be caused by something else, but it’s vital that people have the confidence and knowledge to ask the right questions and get checked out. 

“By seeking advice early, then maybe other families in the North West will have more time together than we did with Dianne.” 

https://twitter.com/ILoveMCR/status/1542525071570309121

Dianne’s friend and fellow broadcaster, Sally Nugent, said: “It’s a real honour to help open the Dianne Oxberry Rose Garden.

“Dianne was taken from us all far too soon. I hope today we can remind women to pay attention to the signs of ovarian cancer that can be all too easy to miss. 

“Also let’s remember our brilliant friend – her kindness, generosity and wicked sense of humour.”

The flowers in the garden are all special ‘Florida Sunset’ roses, launched in memory of Dianne at the RHS Tatton Park Flower Show in 2019 – the year she died. 

Exclusive to the Blue Diamond Group, who own their exclusive brand of Fryer’s Roses, Florida Sunset rose was named by Dianne’s husband Ian, after a special island on the Gulf coast of Florida that Dianne fell in love with.

The rose is a beautiful hybrid tea rose, rosy-pink in colour which darkens to a deep, sunset pink near to the centre, with dainty ruffle-shaped petals and a good fragrance. 

The small garden on the MediaCity campus, which has been developed with the support of Peel Media, Blue Diamond Garden Centres and their own Bridgemere Nursery that grow Fryer’s Roses, and Wright Landscapes Limited, comprises 75 of the exclusive roses.

The garden signage includes information on the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer, as well as a QR code to link to the Dianne Oxberry Trust’s special Spread the Word web page which contains all of the details of what to look out for, and how to share with others across the North West. 

The charity’s Spread the Word campaign is already creating a buzz on social media, with its hashtag #SpreadTheWordNW and its simple acronym to help people remember the most common symptoms of ovarian cancer: 

• Weeing more often 
• Overly bloated feeling 
• Reduced appetite 
• Dull ache in the pelvis or tummy 

“We know that MediaCity receives a huge number of visitors every year and it’s a place that was obviously important in Dianne’s life too,” said Ian.

“If even one person visiting sees the signs when admiring the beautiful flowers and remembering Dianne and goes to see their GP as a result, then that would be amazing.  

“People often dismiss symptoms or put off going to the doctor, and sadly that can mean that if ovarian cancer is found then outcomes could be much worse.

“Please take a look – the symptoms are common and could be caused by loads of things, but it’s vital people get checked if they don’t feel right.   

“Being aware of the symptoms could literally save your life, or the life of someone you love.” 

Stephen Wild, Managing Director of MediaCity added: “Dianne was a popular and much loved member of the MediaCity community and we’re delighted, with the support of our landscape gardening team, that we’ve been able to cultivate an area within our wider gardens which will help spread these important messages to the people who live, work and visit MediaCity. 

“Many thousands of people will be enjoying our public space throughout the summer so it couldn’t be a better time to launch the campaign.”

The Dianne Oxberry Rose Garden is open in MediaCity now.