'Our town is on its knees': HURT founder issues stark warning at 25th anniversary event

Local addiction support charity HURT (Have Your Tomorrows) marked its 25th anniversary in the city this week, with an emotional tribute to its founding inspiration and a powerful plea for collective community action against the escalating drug crisis.

Speaking on Thursday at the milestone event, HURT founder Sadie O’Reilly delivered a poignant opening speech, reflecting on the 27 years since her late son, Tony, tragically died from a heroin overdose at just 22 years of age.

‘Our town is on its knees through drugs and we all must step up and do something about it,’ warned the founder, noting with grave concern that those affected by drug and alcohol addiction are becoming increasingly younger.

The anniversary event served as an intimate commemoration of Tony’s life through shared stories, photographs, memories, and music as well as contributions from his sister, niece and best friend.

The HURT founder pleaded for the public to look beyond the stigma of addiction, urging people to show deeper compassion to individuals suffering from substance misuse.

‘Tony was not born an addict. He was my beautiful little boy,’ she told the attendance.

‘He was funny, loving and full of life. He loved football, animals, children and being with his family. And, just like every other young person, he had hope and dreams for his future.’

Founded in October 2001, HURT has grown over the last quarter-century into a vital lifeline for thousands of individuals and families across the North West. The Derry-based charity delivers entirely free, completely confidential, and non-judgmental holistic support.

Sadie’s partner and HURT General Manager Dessie Kyle, addressing the attendance, extended deep gratitude to the community, volunteers, and partners who kept the charity afloat from its early, under-resourced days to the established institution it is today. He thanked the many staff, funders, donors and community groups, who have and continue to show support for the charity and praised the excellent work they do among their own community.

Sadie added: ‘Today is about the people who stood beside HURT. The people who believed in what we were trying to do, who helped us when we had very little, and who played their part in making HURT what it is today. But most importantly for me, today is about Tony, my son. Thank you for your continued support.’

HURT continues to provide an extensive range of critical community services, including: Counselling and psychological support; a dedicated ‘Listening Ear’ service; Holistic therapies including auricular acupuncture, reflexology, and massage; as well as youth and community education programmes designed to prevent substance misuse/

The couple also unveiled a plaque in memory of the late Tony and to mark the 25 years of serving those suffering from substance abuse, before everyone enjoyed food and refreshments upstairs.

HURT (Have Your Tomorrows) are a voluntary organisation and registered charity based in Bayview Terrace in Derry. It supports individuals overcoming substance misuse and offers a holistic support network for their families and loved ones.

Anyone looking to learn more about the HURT services including counselling can call to 3 Bayview Terrace, Derry, BT48 733, telephone 02871 369696.