HURT Celebrates 25 Years of Hope, Support and Saving Lives
In Loving Memory of Tony O’Reilly – A Mother’s Legacy of Love, Strength and Determination
This year marks a significant milestone as HURT celebrates its 25th anniversary, recognising a quarter of a century of dedication, compassion and unwavering commitment to supporting individuals, families and communities affected by drug and alcohol addiction.
Founded by Sadie O’Reilly in loving memory of her son Tony, HURT was born out of unimaginable heartbreak. Sadie turned her personal tragedy into a powerful mission to ensure that other families facing addiction would have somewhere to turn for help, understanding and support.
What began as one mother’s determination to make a difference has grown into 25 years of providing hope, breaking down stigma, raising awareness and supporting those affected by addiction.
A Mother’s Plea: We Must Act Together
As HURT reflects on 25 years of service, Sadie O’Reilly is using this important anniversary to highlight the growing concerns surrounding drug misuse and the increasingly younger lives being affected.
Sadie is calling for urgent, collective community action to address the escalating drug crisis, warning that the age of those falling victim to addiction and drug-related harm is becoming increasingly concerning.
Her message is clear: addiction is not simply an individual or family issue. It is a community issue that requires a united response.
Families, schools, community organisations, healthcare professionals, statutory agencies and local communities all have a vital role to play in prevention, education, early intervention and recovery.
Behind every statistic is a person, a family and a story. Too many families are experiencing the devastating impact of addiction, and too many young people are being exposed to risks that can change or end their lives.
25 Years On – Tony’s Memory Lives On
For Sadie, this anniversary is about much more than celebrating the achievements of HURT. It is about remembering Tony, honouring his life and recognising the countless individuals and families who have been supported throughout the organisation’s journey.
Tony’s memory remains at the heart of everything HURT stands for.
Over the past 25 years, HURT has continued to advocate for compassion over judgement, understanding over stigma and recovery over hopelessness.
The organisation remains committed to ensuring that those struggling with addiction are treated with dignity and respect and that families never feel they have to face these challenges alone.
A Call for Unity, Awareness and Change
As HURT enters its next chapter, Sadie’s message carries an even greater sense of urgency.
We cannot afford to wait until another family loses a loved one before taking action.
Communities must come together to challenge stigma, improve awareness, support prevention initiatives and ensure that people experiencing addiction can access the help they need when they need it.
Young people deserve opportunities, education, protection and hope for the future. Families deserve support, not judgement. And those living with addiction deserve compassion and the opportunity to recover.
Honouring the Past, Protecting the Future
HURT’s 25th anniversary is a celebration of resilience, compassion and the extraordinary difference that one mother’s love and determination can make.
It is also a reminder that the work is far from over.
As Sadie O’Reilly continues to honour Tony’s memory, she calls upon the entire community to stand together, take responsibility and help prevent further tragedies.
Twenty-five years of remembering Tony.
Twenty-five years of supporting families.
Twenty-five years of giving hope.
And a continued determination to protect future generations.
In loving memory of Tony O’Reilly – whose legacy continues to inspire hope, compassion and change through HURT.
