Derry teenager seeks meeting with Health Minister in campaign for detox centre

Tamzin, (left) pictured with her mother Louise, sisters Farrah and Lola-May and her father, James.

Tamzin White (18) has had ‘unbelievable’ support since she launched her campaign following the untimely death of her mother, Louise O’Doherty White, last month.

Louise, who was just 40 and a mother of three girls, died following a battle with addiction.

Just over a week ago, Tamzin spoke to the Journal about her mammy’s death, as well as those of her uncles and family members who also died from addiction and mental illness. She told how she believed her mammy would still be alive if Derry had a dedicated detox centre.

Tamzin with her mother Louise and sisters Farrah and Lola-May.

A petition calling for this, which Tamzin set up, now has over 5,000 signatures. Tamzin also set up a Facebook page on Sunday evening titled ‘derrydemandsadetoxcentre’ and it had over 1000 ‘likes’ within hours.

Speaking to the Journal yesterday, Tamzin said she believes her mammy is giving her the strength to push forward her campaign and told how her family is with her ‘every step of the way.’

“Addiction and mental illness has affected ever family in Derry in some way or another. I can’t believe the support I have been getting, but I’m not shocked. That’s Derry people for you and I’ve always known it was a massive need.”

Since sharing her story in the Journal and launching the petition, Tamzin has also received strong support from local politicians who have pledged to do what they can to help.

She told how she is determined to see her campaign through to the very end.

“I’m not going to stop and the support I’ve got is making me not want to stop. I see the need for it and I’ve been contacted by so many people impacted by this.

“My mammy is giving me strength to do this. I honestly believe that. We should have had this centre a long time ago. I’m determined to make something happen.

“I want to meet Robin Swann. He needs to see and know how big of a need this is in Derry. I don’t feel overwhelmed by what I have to do. I feel determined.”

You can find the new Facebook page here and the petition here