Tamzin White thanks people of ‘Derry and beyond’ for support in detox centre campaign

Louise O’Doherty White, Tamzin’s mother, died in January at just 40 years old following a long battle with alcohol and drug addiction.

Tamzin (18) later told the Journal how she believed her mother would still be alive if Derry had a detox centre.

She has called upon Health Minister Robin Swann to meet with her and has also set up a petition, as well as a Facebook page titled Derry Demands A Detox Centre.

Speaking to the Journal this week, Tamzin, who has two younger sisters aged 10 and eight, told how the petition calling for a dedicated centre has been signed by almost 7,000 people so far.

The Facebook page has also received almost 6,000 ‘likes.’

She said the strength of the support represents the need for a centre in Derry. “The support has been amazing from the people of Derry and beyond. I’m so thankful and so grateful - this just goes to show you that a detox centre and the care for after the detoxification is needed so much.”

Tamzin is hopeful of a meeting with Minister Swann. “The minister said via a media statement that he would meet me and I am confident he will keep his word. I know he is a busy man and I will wait to hear from him, so I can tell him my story of my experience within my family, which mirrors the stories of so many other families in our city.”

Tamzin thanked the Journal for ‘keeping the spotlight on this vital campaign and the lives that hang in the balance and also the lives that have already been lost due to lack of this much needed facility’.

Minister of Health Robin Swann described the tragedy as “heart-breaking” and expressed his sympathies to Tamzin and her family. “My office has recently received an invitation from Ms White which I will respond to as soon as possible,” he said.