Inspirational Kilkenny woman who lost husband and son to suicide named Humanitarian of the Year – ‘I still haven't come back down to earth'

Irish Independent

09-05-2025

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.