Alex's Adventure

06/08/2025

Closing a Chapter, Opening Another 💫

After almost 10 incredible years, the time has come to officially close Alex’s Adventure as a business.

What started as a small idea in the depths of grief grew into something far bigger than I ever imagined. It’s been an amazing road - full of tough conversations, big moments, countless school halls, and the honour of sharing my brother’s story with thousands of young people across the country.

But life moves fast. Over the last while, my capacity to deliver workshops just hasn’t been the same. So, I’ve made the decision to wind down the business side of things.

This isn’t goodbye, though.

The brilliant Aimee will be continuing the work in the East, delivering on behalf of Alex’s Adventure and continuing to charge for her workshops as normal - and I know she’ll do an amazing job.

As for me, I’m going back to where it all began - delivering when I can, free of charge. All I ask is that schools make a small donation to a local charity in return. I’ll mainly stay around the South and a bit of the West.

This work has given me so much - it’s shaped who I am, opened doors I never thought I’d walk through, and most of all, kept Alex’s voice alive.

But now, it’s time to focus on changing the law and fighting the government any chance I get - because the system still fails far too many.

Thank you to every teacher, student, school, and supporter who ever believed in this work. And to Alex - this ride was all for you. Your adventure lives on in every conversation, every hard truth, and every single young person who now knows better.

“They Don't Think It Be Like It Is - But It Do” – Alex

💜
Nicole

23/01/2025

In memory’s embrace, you still reside,
Though time has passed, the pain won't subside.
At eighteen, you were taken away,
A star extinguished, lost that day.
A night that should’ve been carefree and bright,
Turned dark and silent, stolen from sight.

But in that sorrow, a legacy grew,
Through the gift you gave, so selfless and true.
Your organs, a lifeline to others in need,
Four souls revived, through your generous deed.
Your journey, though tragic, sparked hope anew,
A beacon of light in the darkest of hue.

Through Alex’s Adventure, your story now spreads,
Educating hearts, and filling young heads.
Teaching the dangers, the choices we face,
Helping them turn from a dangerous place.

You saved more than lives through that final act,
You saved many futures, with wisdom intact.
Your voice echoes in the lessons I teach,
A brother, a son and a friend whose spirit continues to reach.

Nine years have passed, but you’re not far away,
In every story shared, in the lives that we've swayed.

Though we miss you deeply, your spirit lives on,
In the hearts of the many, you’re never truly gone.

💙

01/11/2024

Today, my heart is with Alex, who would be turning 27. Born on November 1st, he brought so much light and laughter into our lives, and even though he left us too soon in 2016 at just 18, his spirit remains woven into our days.

Alex was the kind of person who lit up a room, a soul full of kindness and adventure, whose smile and humor touched everyone he met. Today, I remember not only his life but also the countless memories that continue to inspire me every day. I feel his presence in little moments, in shared stories, and in the love that will never fade.

Happy Birthday, Alex. I carry you with me always 💫❤️

15/10/2024

🚨 Exciting Workshop Alert for Parents! 🚨

Join us at Alex's Adventure for a valuable and informative Parental Drugs Workshop on Wednesday, 30th October from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM at Millstreet Parish Rooms (2nd Floor, next to the church).

This workshop is designed to empower parents with knowledge and tools to talk openly about drug awareness, helping to keep our young people safe. Don’t miss this chance to learn, ask questions, and support your child’s journey in making positive choices!

🗓️ When: Wednesday, 30th October
⏰ Time: 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
📍 Where: Millstreet Parish Rooms (2nd Floor, next to the church)

Let’s work together to create a safer and more informed community! 💬✨

16/08/2024

It’s been an age!

I have been VERY radio silent over the past few months, a lot has changed and happened.

I made a decision back in April to step away from giving workshops as I needed a break both mentally and physically. I have always dreamed of being a mum ever since I was little, so I was really delighted to find out on my birthday this year that this dream of mine was going to be a reality. It was very exciting, new and I also know that the energy that workshop delivery takes on me on a normal day, let alone when I was expecting, it would be dangerous to continue so I stepped away. I was happy in my decision and knew that eventually I would be back but in the interim I would find somebody just as good to help out with the delivery in the south.

Sometimes though life has other plans – as I know all too well.

I worked for an amazing company alongside Alex’s Adventure which I loved – My bosses are some of the kindest people I have ever met but due to the difficult landscape we were working in we sadly were made redundant in May 2024. I was not too upset because I had the opportunity to meet and work alongside fantastic people and helped create impact for people with Parkinson’s and that gave me great comfort to know I played a small role in helping somebody else as well as learning so much about this disease that I knew very little about initially. After losing this role, 5 days later I sadly suffered a miscarriage. Sometimes you never really understand something until it actually happens to you and this was a very tough journey for me. After speaking to initially a handful of people about it I realised that it happens more often than we know but there is an air of taboo around the subject. Just like with drugs, if we don’t speak about it how will we ever grow?
It took a big toll on me both physically and mentally for a while and I took the summer to reflect. I have phenomenal friends, family and the most caring and kind partner, so I was able to get through it. Maybe right now just isn’t my time, but I am sure one day it will happen again.

So, I thought about Alex’s Adventure too and really reignited my passion for what I have spent 8 years building. I’M BACK BABY!

The new school year is already upon us – and in the meantime there has been a mountain of new drugs on the scene and if you are a school, a youth club, worried parents, social care workers or sports clubs (anybody really!) looking for a workshop that works and has a lasting impact you know what to do!

Thanks for always supporting us.
Nicole

23/01/2024

8 years of missing you. 💔

8 years ago today, my world ended as I knew it - I always say that in the end, when Alex was pronounced gone, the first feeling I felt was relief. It wasn't relief in knowing he was gone but relief in knowing he no longer suffered. It was strange because I didn't think that's what I'd feel first. There was no more what ifs and maybes- the answer was definite, final. It was harder to watch him suffer than to watch him at peace.

My world was silent for a moment everything stood still for a while, and with that, I began to lose myself and my mind for a while. Loss is something nobody teaches you about in school - you get dealt the hand, and you have to choose how to play it.

If somebody came up to me that night and told me "It won't get easier but there will come a time when you are not always grieving" I wouldn't have believed them yet here we are.

For each thorn, there is a rosebud.
For each twilight, a dawn.
For each trial - the strength to carry on.
For each storm cloud, a rainbow.
For each shadow, the sun.
For each parting - sweet memories when sorrow is gone.

16/06/2023

We've been shouting about Synthetics since the day we started Alex's Adventure in 2016 and they are only getting worse!

The EMCDDA dropped their report for drug trends in Europe for 2023 today and the rise of synthetics is really worrying.



https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41163694.html?fbclid=IwAR173Y1nO37wsQ9wvd1b1bqDuhqVq4eDmg2qTw6i_92e5hOa-dBqzFdOS6c

Ireland has the highest usage rates for co***ne in the EU and second highest M**A (ecstasy) rates

15/06/2023

Today is a really proud day and milestone for Alex's Adventure. Our completed Impact Report is here!

Over the last 7 years it's been an amazing journey and one that I can truly say I have learnt so much from. The impact I have made here in Ireland is huge! To think this all happened from a tragedy to turn it to my superpower.

This of course would not have been remotely possible without all the people that got behind Alex's Adventure from the start and I want to thank each and everyone of you for contributing to the growth of the mission and vision. This report has been a labour of my love, my passion and dedication to the cause.

Thank you to the Students, Thank you to our schools, Thank you to the amazing parents & caregivers, the clubs and communities who see the value and benefits of what we do.

Thank You from Myself and the main man himself, Alex. 💙

Read it here:https://www.alexsadventure.ie/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Alexs-Adventure-Impact-Report-1.pdf

12/06/2023

On Saturday I got elected onto the board of Addiction Counsellors of Ireland at the AGM in Portlaoise!

It was a brilliant day meeting some familiar faces and to hear about the plans for the future of Addiction Counsellors. You may not know this but I do practice privately with a partner Susan - if you're interested in therapy you can check out our website- https://www.personsupported.com/

And we're currently taking on new clients.

08/03/2023

A brilliant day visiting the lovely students of McEgan College