Hundreds of early morning risers took part in Carrick-on-Suir's Darkness Into Light walk
The annual fundraiser in aid of suicide prevention charity Pieta was blessed with beautiful weather
The Kerwick and Torpey families and friends on the Old Bridge during the Darkness into Light walk in Carrick-on-Suir.
An estimated 600 people rose before dawn last Saturday morning to take part in Carrick-on-Suir’s annual Darkness Into Light walk/run in aid of Pieta suicide and self-harm prevention charity.
The hundreds of yellow t-shirted walkers and runners who departed from St Mary’s CBS Green School at 4.15am on May 11 were blessed with beautiful early summer weather as they trekked the 5km stewarded route around the town.
Refreshments were laid on for all the participants at the finish back at the Green School hall where a memorial table featuring pictures and momentos of loved ones who died by suicide were placed as were pictures of local Darkness into Light volunteers who passed away over the past year.
Mary Power of Carrick-on-Suir Darkness Into Light Committee paid tribute to all who took part in and supported the event as well as fellow committee members and volunteers who helped organise the walk.
She thanked the event’s sponsors particularly SuperValu, Carrick-on-Suir, Lisa at Spar and Corrib Oil, Carrick and Radley Engineering, Dungarvan.
Mary also thanked the local Red Cross, Civil Defence, Fire Brigade, Carrick River Rescue personnel who ensured the walk went off as safely as possible; Green School staff for allowing the use of the school premises and Power & Walsh estate agents for the use of their premises for registration days.
“The amount of work that goes into an event like this is immense, but the feeling of seeing the crowd cross the bridges never fails to make it worthwhile,” she said.
“You come out in your hundreds to support our mutual cause, local businesses decorate their shop fronts in solidarity, it’s truly amazing what we can do when we come together.”
She added: “Pieta offers life saving support and counselling for those suffering with self-harm and suicidal ideation as well as family members who have been through it.
“A service like this saves lives. By walking with us this year, you are assisting in saving lives.”
Pieta can be contacted at free phone 1800 247247.
Check out more of Anne Marie Magorrian's photos from Carrick-on-Suir's Darkness Into Light walk in this week's edition of The Nationalist now on sale in local shops.