Pieta House Darkness into Light launched

Pieta House Darkness into Light launched


Westport will be one of the 20 locations this year to host a Pieta House, Darkness into Light event. The launch for the unique event took place at Westport House recently. The five kilometre walk/run starts at 4am and ends as dawn is breaking.
Taking place on Saturday, May 11, this year’s event will get under way in the grounds of Westport House and organisers are hoping for a turnout of several thousand people from all across the county.
Speaking at the event, Joan Freeman, CEO and founder of the suicide prevention organisation Pieta House, said the support for the event in Westport over the last year had been ‘incredible’.
“Last year’s Darkness into Light Mayo event was a huge success and I know we can grow it even more this year,” she said.
The founder thanked the event’s committee, including Alan and Maeve Gallagher, volunteers and all who took part in the event last year.
“This year I’m delighted to say that we also have the support of Electric Ireland who are helping us to expand and bring Darkness into Light into every corner of Ireland,” said Ms Freeman.
Speaking to The Mayo News about the event, volunteer Michael Larkin said Westport House was a fantastic setting for the event.
“For the second year in a row Westport House will be providing their facilities and it’s a fantastic setting. We want to try and get as many people as possible to take part,” said Mr Larkin, adding that the event was ‘all about creating awareness’.
Following two years of fundraising efforts across the West, Pieta House will open a centre in Tuam, Co Galway this year which will serve the western region.
Registration costs €25 and is available online now at dil.pieta.ie. All money raised goes to Pieta House.