Five Darkness Into Light events locally

Five Offaly communities will participate in this year's Darkness Into Light event on the morning of Saturday, May 10.

Starting at 4.15am the communities of Banagher, Ferbane, Lough Boora, Rhode and Mucklagh will all host events as part of the annual major fundraising initiative for Pieta, the suicide and self-help prevention charity.

Banagher College is the starting point for the walk in the West Offaly community, while participants will gather at Gallen Community School for the start of the walk in Ferbane. The Lough Boora Parklands is the location for the start of the walk in Lough Boora, while Ballynamona is the starting location for the walk in Rhode.

The Mucklagh community is also supporting the Darkness Into Light event on Saturday morning with a 5km walk, participants requested to gather at St Colman’s Church at 4am for the early morning walk in support of this event. Refreshments will be served after the event in Mucklagh Community Centre.

There is another event in nearby Kilbeggan, taking place from St James’s Hall.

Every step taken by participants, and every euro raised, will help Pieta to continue offering free, professional support to those at risk of suicide, self-harm, or affected by suicide 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

While Darkness Into Light is predominately a fundraiser, it is also a powerful statement of hope, solidarity, and community support.

For more information, to register, or to find out how to get involved, visit darknessintolight.ie.