Darkness into Light walks across Limerick city and county
'Raise awareness and hope in the global fight against suicide and self-harm'
THERE is a Darkness into Light walk close to everyone in Limerick, who wishes to take part early this Saturday morning, May 11, with the west, south, east of the county and city covered.
Organisers in Pallasgreen, Kilmallock, Newcastle West, Kildimo, Hospital, Glenbrohane, Anglesboro, Knocklong and Limerick city have been busy putting the final touches for the annual event to raise funds for Pieta.
Tens of thousands across the country and abroad will take part in walks which provide an opportunity for people to connect with their local community and to bring hope to people who have been impacted by suicide.
Ger O'Connell (pictured above), one of the organisers of the Pallasgreen event, said this year's theme is hope.
“We do hope that our actions on the most important sunrise of the year on May 11 will continue to raise awareness and hope in the global fight against suicide and self-harm,” said Ger.
He was delighted to announce their two ambassadors - Caroline Stokes and Rob O' Donnell - both mental health advocates who are doing great work in this sector.
Ger says the starting point is in the astro pitch at Pallasgreen GAA Club at 4.15am. They will march as one in the beautiful countryside amid the dawn chorus and sunrise. A large hope sign in front of the Mass rock in the grotto of Nicker church awaits the walkers.
Log onto darknessintolight.ie for more information.
Ger said the event would not be a success without the services of many people volunteering and giving up their time so early in the morning.
He paid tribute to and thanked stewards, Irish Red Cross, gardai, Limerick City and County Council, Pallasgreen-Templebraden Community Council, Fr Tomas O'Connell, Audrey and Pat O'Dwyer, Tomas O'Connor, Mike O'Riordan, and their ambassadors Caroline Stokes and Rob O' Donnell, fellow organisers and everybody who will take part in Pallasgreen's second Darkness into Light.
It all began back in 2009 in the Phoenix Park when 400 people set off on the inaugural 5km walk to raise funds for Pieta. Now there are over 150,000 participants each year. It has raised over €36 million to enable Pieta to provide services to people impacted by suicide and self-harm. Log onto darknessintolight.ie