Inspirational woman who lost husband and son to suicide is finalist in Red Cross awards
Angela Hayes set up Teac Tom to help other families touched by suicide
An inspirational Irish woman who set up a mental health support and suicide intervention service following the death of her husband and son has been named as a finalist in the prestigious Irish Red Cross Humanitarian Awards.
The awards are in their seventh year and they celebrate extraordinary individuals and organisations demonstrating exceptional humanitarian service, compassion, and resilience. The awards recognise contributions across multiple categories and aim to inspire continued humanitarian action throughout Ireland and beyond.
Kilkenny mother-of-five and founder of Teac Tom, Angela Hayes, has been named as one of the 17 finalists in the Irish Red Cross Humanitarian Awards.
In 2002, Angela lost her husband, Tommy, to suicide. In 2011, her world shattered again when she lost her 19-year-old son, Thomas, to suicide on the anniversary of his dad's death.
Angela set up Teac Tom in memory of her son, Thomas. Since then, the organisation has become a lifeline for families touched by suicide.
Teac Tom provides immediate walk-in crisis intervention, counselling and family support for those affected by suicide and mental health challenges.
In 2024 alone, Teac Tom delivered nearly 5,000 therapy sessions while raising €300,000 annually to maintain these critical services.
The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday May 8, 2025.
Angela Hayes set up Teac Tom to help other families touched by suicide
News in 90 Seconds - May 9th
"These awards shine a light on the exceptional humanitarian work happening in communities across Ireland and internationally," said Deirdre Garvey, Secretary General of the Irish Red Cross. "Each finalist has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to making our world more compassionate, just, and equitable.
"What makes these awards particularly special is the diversity of our finalists," added Ms Garvey. "Their stories remind us that humanitarian action takes many forms and can begin at any age and in any community across Ireland."
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