The grief stricken mother of a Dublin teen who passed away in May following a night out in the country's capital has reached out to teenagers in a heartwrenching statement made seven months after her daughter's untimely death.
Elga Hick, whose 18-year-old daughter Ana died after taking ecstasy during a night out with friends, has implored teenagers to use her daughter's tragic passing as a reminder of the possible implications of recreational drug use.
Aware that youngsters may be planning to use the Christmas break as an opportunity to experiment with friends, Elga began her statement by saying: "I would like to send a message to those of you who are planning on going out to celebrate this holiday season."
Elga, whose incredibly strong bond with her daughter was documented extensively on Facebook prior to Ana's death, urged young people to see beyond the empty promises and consider the possible consequences of their decisions.
"Please be aware of the dangers that lie waiting for you, they come sugar-coated with promises of a good night out full of fun and excitement, but the truth is you are playing with a loaded gun when you decide to take ecstasy or other drugs," she insisted.
Reflecting on the life of promise her outgoing and talented young daughter once had, Elga, who is facing her first Christmas without Ana, continued: "Are you really prepared to take this risk? Are you willing to say goodbye to everyone and everything just for one night of fun?"
Adamant that her only daughter would echo her mother's heartwrenching sentiments, Elga insisted: "I know Ana would want you to remember her as you make your choice and she would want you to say ‘not on my Life’"
Determined that no other parent should endure the same heartache as she has, Elga reminds youngsters of their worth, pleading: "My message to you is please be careful and make the right choice. You are so precious and there is only one of you in the world."
Our thoughts go out to Ana's heartbroken family and friends this Christmas.
