Making a Real Difference: PHX Ireland’s Charity Partnership with HUGG
At PHX Ireland, we believe in making a real, lasting difference, from our patients and people to our customers and communities —and in 2025, that commitment took on new meaning through our charity partnership with HUGG, the national suicide bereavement organisation.
Why HUGG?
Founded in 2017 by Fiona Tuomey after the tragic loss of her daughter Milly to suicide, HUGG was created to offer the connection, understanding, and support that Fiona herself found so difficult to access. Today, HUGG provides free, nationwide suicide bereavement support through:
• Peer-led support groups
• Practical and emotional guidance via phone and online
• Public events and awareness initiatives
With an estimated 60,000 people affected by suicide in Ireland every year, HUGG offers a vital lifeline. Their work in suicide postvention—supporting those left behind after a suicide—helps reduce future risk and promote healing. This partnership aligns with PHX Ireland’s purpose, to make a real, lasting difference to our customers and communities and will extend across PHX Ireland's subsidiaries: United Drug, McCabes Pharmacy and TCP Homecare.
What We’ve Been Up To
Since the beginning of the partnership, our teams across PHX Ireland, United Drug, McCabes Pharmacy, and TCP Homecare have come together with heart, energy, and purpose to support HUGG. Here’s a look at some of the incredible moments so far:
Hike with Mike – PHX Ireland Hike for HUGG
In June, teammates from all across our business came together for a breathtaking trek up the Stairway to Heaven in Co. Fermanagh. Under clear skies and sunshine, we hiked in solidarity to honour those impacted by suicide and raise funds for HUGG’s essential services.
PHX Teammates at the Stairway to Heaven in Co. Fermanagh
The event, organised in partnership with the ever-inspiring Mike Lyons, was a day filled with connection, reflection, and a shared sense of purpose. We’re so proud of everyone who took part and were delighted to raise €6,000 to support HUGG.
UD Talks: Healing with HUGG Podcast
UD Talks is United Drug’s dedicated podcast platform, designed to share thought-provoking conversations, expert insights, and inspiring stories from across the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry in Ireland.
As part of our commitment to sharing real stories and expert insights, we recroded a special episode of UD Talks, titled “Healing with HUGG: Helping Those Bereaved by Suicide.” In this deeply moving conversation, Fiona Tuomey joins our host Denis O’Driscoll to speak about grief, healing, and the power of peer support.
This episode goes beyond healthcare—it’s about human care. The episode will be launching very soon and we invite everyone to listen, learn, and help spread awareness of the emotional impact of suicide and the support available through HUGG.
👉 Tune in to listen and subscribe: UD Talks Podcast
Looking Ahead
We’re only at the beginning of this journey, but already the connection between PHX Ireland and HUGG has sparked something powerful. This isn’t just a partnership—it’s a shared mission to support healing, reduce stigma, and remind people across Ireland that they are not alone.
Earlier this year, we hosted an inspiring strategy session with HUGG and teammates from across our different business units. The HUGG Planning Workshop brought together voices from PHX Ireland, United Drug, McCabes, and TCP Homecare to co-create the vision for our two-year partnership.
HUGG Planning Session
The creativity, passion, and commitment in the room were a powerful reminder of what’s possible when people unite for a cause. Together, we explored how to deepen our impact, amplify HUGG’s reach, and build long-term support for those navigating grief after suicide.
To all our teammates, customers, and community partners: thank you for being part of this story. Your involvement makes every step more meaningful.
Let’s continue to walk side by side with HUGG—to shine a light in dark places, to hold space for grief, and to bring hope where it’s needed most.
Learn more about HUGG here.