Latest news with #HumanitarianAwards
Irish Independent
09-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Inspirational Kilkenny woman who lost husband and son to suicide named Humanitarian of the Year – ‘I still haven't come back down to earth'
Kilkenny mother-of-five and founder of Teac Tom, Angela Hayes, was honoured with the Humanitarian of the Year award at the seventh annual Irish Red Cross Humanitarian Awards that took place at the Royal College of Physicians on Thursday. 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 founded The Thomas Hayes Trust in 2014 in memory of her son, Thomas. Since then, the organisation has become a lifeline for families touched by suicide and aims to address the lack of suicide prevention and bereavement support services. Through Teac Tom, Angela provides immediate walk-in crisis intervention, professional counselling, and family support without waiting lists. In 2024, Teac Tom delivered nearly 5,000 one-to-one support and therapy sessions for adolescents, adults, and children, accessible without doctor referrals and at minimal cost. Angela fundraises €300,000 annually to maintain these critical services and ensures cost is never a barrier for those in need. "I still haven't come back down to earth,' Angela told The Irish Independent. 'It's just unbelievable and such a great honour to receive this award I still can't believe it. It hasn't sunk in yet.' Following the deaths of her husband and son, it became painfully clear for Angela that there was a lack of support for families in Ireland touched by suicide. Determined that no other family experience the unthinkable pain of losing a loved one to suicide, Angela decided to use her own personal experience to help others. "For me personally, the award shows how far I have come as a human being because I suppose I could have buried my head in the sand all of those years ago and not driven this but I felt I had a vision, vocation and compassion to offer support and empathy to people to make sure they don't find themselves in the same situation I found myself in all those years ago,' she explained. When Angela was called on stage to collect her award, she dedicated it to her parents who have inspired and supported her throughout her life. "This award is in honour of my parents especially. My parents reared me to have courage, to know what's right and wrong and to show love and kindness to every individual in the world. It's because of them that I am the person I am today.' Speaking as she received the Humanitarian of the Year award during Thursday's awards ceremony, Angela said that even the smallest acts of care and humanity can 'create ripples of change'. "Winning the Irish Red Cross Humanitarian Awards is a deeply humbling and proud moment for me,' she said. 'It represents a recognition not just of my work, but of the resilience, compassion, and commitment that drive everything I do to support those affected by suicide and mental health challenges. "To be acknowledged by an organisation rooted in humanity and hope affirms that even the smallest acts of care can create ripples of change and I'm honoured to stand among others who are striving to make a difference. "This award honours not only my journey, but also the memory of those in my family who didn't get the help they needed. I carry their voices with me in every step I take,' continued Angela. 'I dedicate this award to my incredible parents, who raised me with compassion, courage, and a deep sense of humanity. "Everything I am is because of them and to my sons and daughter, who have supported and encouraged me throughout this journey. It's not always easy for them — they've seen the worry, the weight of keeping Teac Tom's doors open, but their love keeps me going.' Angela added that Teac Tom "exists for the community, in the heart of the community' and has a clear vision for its future.
Irish Independent
24-04-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Three Dubliners shortlisted for Humanitarian Awards from Irish Red Cross
Among them is 22-year-old Lauren Jones Brennan, from Blanchardstown, who has been shortlisted for the prestigious Young Humanitarian Award. Ms Brennan is currently finishing her degree in Law at Trinity College Dublin, and as a United Nations Youth Delegate, has advocated on behalf of youth rights, climate action and gender equality. 'I grew up in a single-parent family, and my mom embedded a deep sense of empathy and care for others,' she said. 'Growing up in Blanchardstown, a community full of culture and life, but also social issues, instilled in me a desire to amplify the voices of those who feel like they can't speak, or aren't empowered enough to do so. 'I have the privilege of being that voice for young Irish people, both north and south. My role encompasses the whole island. 'I go to consultations with young people from different areas and then represent them at the UN, co-drafting youth resolutions and advocating for peace, diversity, and inclusion in policy making,' she added. Ms Brennan has been instrumental in raising significant funds for humanitarian causes, including €27,000 for poverty alleviation. 'There are a lot of challenges facing young people today, especially in terms of youth representation,' she said. 'It's difficult for young people to break into fields like policy-making when they lack access to resources or opportunities, but I'm committed to being part of that change.' Also representing Dublin on the Humanitarian Awards shortlist, is Lora Ruth Wogu, founder of Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Ireland, and Migrant Health Alliance Ireland. ADVERTISEMENT Lora has spent the last 14 years advocating for patients with sickle cell and thalassaemia, and trying to improve healthcare access for migrants. She does all this while balancing her work as a healthcare professional and caring for her son, who has multiple disabilities. Another Dubliner who has been shortlisted is Joe Mason, CEO of WALK, a support organisation for people with intellectual disabilities. His dedication to supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities took on a new urgency when the war in Ukraine broke out. Responding to a desperate plea from a Ukrainian mother, Joe drove to the frontline and evacuated her daughter and other vulnerable families, saving lives and providing critical supplies. His advocacy has also brought attention to the plight of disabled refugees, with Olena – one of the mothers he rescued – becoming the first Ukrainian woman to address an Oireachtas committee on the challenges faced by disabled refugees. Along with Lauren, Lora, and Joe, other finalists include Shane Gavin, who travelled to Ukraine to deliver humanitarian aid, and Billy Lord, the 12-year-old Cavan boy who raised over €35,000 for cancer support. The Irish Red Cross Humanitarian Awards will take place on May 8, 2025, with RTÉ's Sarah McInerney hosting the event
