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.