Pubdate: Sun, 31 Dec 2000
Source: Sun Herald (Australia)
Copyright: 2000 John Fairfax Holdings Ltd
Contact:  http://www.sunherald.com.au/
Author: Kathryn Shine

ANNA'S FOLKS GIVE UP FIGHT

Australia's most vigorous anti-ecstasy campaigners, Angela and Tony 
Wood, have ceased their fight against the drug and moved to the 
United Kingdom.

Friends say they were burnt out and needed time to grieve for their 
daughter, Anna, who died at 15 after taking ecstasy.

The couple worked tirelessly to educate young people about the 
dangers of ecstasy for years after Anna's death in 1995. Mrs Wood, in 
particular, embraced the cause. She regularly spoke to three school 
groups a day, travelling all over Australia.

She also became president of drug prevention group Drug Watch 
Australia and the couple appeared regularly in the media.

Despite their efforts, ecstasy use has continued to rise among young people.

Mr and Mrs Wood worried about the prevalence of the drug and were 
frustrated by reports suggesting it rarely caused health problems.

Earlier this year, they decided enough was enough and made plans to 
relocate permanently to the UK.

Friend and fellow anti-drug campaigner Normie Rowe said Mrs Wood was 
exhausted and desperately needed a break from what had become a 
full-time job.

"They were looking forward to it immensely," Mr Rowe said.

Jill Pearman, secretary of Drug Watch Australia, said the Woods had 
decided they needed some time to themselves.

"Angela went straight into it [her campaigning work] after Anna's 
death," she said. "She didn't have time to grieve."

Mr Wood, an insurance investigator, had been concerned for some time 
that his wife was taking on too much.

"Angela is away most of the time," he was quoted as saying last year. 
"We have no life. We can't keep going at this pace."

Ms Pearman said the battle against the so-called party drug would continue.

Drug Watch Australia was committed to educating young people and 
parents about the potential dangers of ecstasy.

"We need to challenge the culture that there is nothing wrong with 
this drug," she said.

Ms Pearman said the police seemed to be overwhelmed by the ecstasy problem.

Drug Watch Australia can be contacted on 02 9560 3899.
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