'If I can change one person's mind with Alex's story, then that would be enough'

The sister of a Millstreet teenager who tragically lost his life after taking synthetic drugs plans to share the impact of his death with young people at risk of taking drugs.

Nicole Ryan's 18-year-old brother, Alex, suffered irreversible brain damage and died last January having taken a potent hallucinogenic stimulant at a house party in the Greenmount area of Cork city.

Alex's family made the decision to donate his heart, liver and kidneys, saving four people's lives.

Today, Nicole, having spoken with the non-profit Foundation for a Drug Free World, shared her plan to travel to schools and colleges to warn young people about the dangers of drug use and "give kids the information they need to not make the same mistake my brother did."

"I want to share and show to people not just here at home but all over the world, the kind of effect my brother's decision had," Nicole says.

"Alex was not a bad person. He was a kind hearted soul that would do anything for anyone. He made a bad decision and in turn paid for it with his life.

Alex Ryan

"I want to go out and share my story with others out there. I know there are people who have gone through the exact same circumstances and I want to give them a voice, share my story so maybe they can share theirs. Share Alex's story of how he was, his final moments, and how I live now that he is no longer here.

"I want his story to be a warning to other people out there, especially young people who may consider taking drugs, be it synthetic or not. If I can as much as change one person's mind with Alex's story, then for me that would be enough.

"In his name and in his honour, I want to share his story and mine."

Nicole has set up a gofundme page to raise money for her project. Any funds raised by Nicole will be donated to the Irish Heart Foundation, the Irish Organ Donation, and the Foundation for a Drug Free World.

Today marks Alex's two-month anniversary, and Nicole wants to honour her brother's memory by preventing more deaths.

"He managed to touch and change so many lives," Nicole says. "I just want to do the same."

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