Westport’s Darkness into Light event launched

Westport’s Darkness into Light event launched


Ciara Galvin

IN TEN day’s time,  people across the county will take to the pavements for this year’s Darkness into Light 5km walk/run on May 10.
The unique event will see thousands of people across 39 locations take part in the early-morning fundraising event. Walkers will set out in darkness at 4.15am and finish the route while dawn is breaking.
Money raised through the entry fee will go toward Pieta House, a suicide and self-harm crisis organisation with nine centres across the country, including a newly opened Pieta House West centre in Tuam, Co Galway.
A large crowd turned out at Westport Leisure Centre last Saturday, when Tom McEvoy of Pieta House, officially launched Westport’s event.
This will be Westport’s third year hosting the event, and committee members are expecting large numbers once again.
Speaking to The Mayo News ahead of the event, organiser Maeve Gallagher said ‘people are hearing about it all the time’.
With a second event in the county to be held in Ballina, Maeve said it is hard to tell what numbers will turn out at Westport House on Saturday week, but said that they hoped numbers would equal the 800 which took part last year, raising an astounding €18,000 for Pieta House.
“Westport House is a lovely venue, it’s magnificent. We’re lucky that we have to go on the road for just one small part of the route and the rest is lit up. The Brownes are great for having us,” said Ms Gallagher.
Attendees at the launch included Cathaoirleach  Michael McLaughlin, footballer Cora Staunton, Westport GAA members and representatives from Westport Fire Service and Achill Coast Guard.
“There were some harrowing stories from the coast guard and fire brigade. It’s [suicide] an epidemic,” said Gallagher.
Fifty pre-registration spaces were filled at last Saturday’s launch. Pre-registration, which runs until May 9, costs €25.
This year, Pieta House is linking Darkness into Light with their Mind Our Men campaign, which aims to reduce male suicide in Ireland. They are asking participants to bring a male friend or family member with them on the walk – it could be a friend, brother, father or a work colleague.

For more information about the Westport and Ballina events visit www.dil.pieta.ie.