Agnes O'Connor, Aidan and Jack Maher and Bernie O'Connor at a previous year's Darkness into Light in Tulllamore.

DIL Tullamore hoping for huge local turnout

The sixth annual Darkness into Light walk in Tullamore will begin at 4.15am Saturday, May 11 from the Rugby Club and the organisers are hoping for huge public support for one of the most unique and unforgettable fundraising events of the year, with all funds going to suicide charity, Pieta House.

Last year, over 2,000 walkers took part in Tullamore's Darkness into Light walk, raising in excess of €45,000 for Pieta House, and the hardworking committee behind the annual event are hopeful of an even bigger turnout this year.

Anyone who has not already registered for the walk/run is urged to come along to the Bridge Centre between the hours of 10am-3pm on Friday where Darkness into Light volunteers will be on hand to take registrations.

The Tullamore Darkness into Light Walk is one of three taking place across county Offaly on Saturday morning, with the other two taking place in Edenderry and Banagher. The Edenderry walk gets underway from St. Mary's Secondary School, while the Banager walk will set out from Banagher College, Coláiste na Sionna.

Darkness into Light is a global movement dedicated to ending suicide and supporting those who engage in self-harm. Joining with the Offaly participants in this year's event willl be almost 250,000 people on five continents who are hoping that by walking from the darkness into the light they will play their part in removing the stigma around suicide and will spread the power of hope throughout the world.

By taking part in Darkness into Light in Offaly, participants will be helping to save lives as well as interacting with family, friends, neighbours and work colleagues in an emotional and hope-filled journey into the bright light of a new day.

To register for Darkness into Light at any of the three Offaly venues, please go to www.darknessintolight.ie or go along to the Bridge Centre today (Friday) from 10am to 3pm where you can also register.

Registration costs €25 for adults, €20 for students (over 18) jobseekers and senior citizens, and €5 for children between the ages of six and 17, while under-fives go free.

All funds raised from the Darkness into Light charity event go directly to Pieta House, and the event is sponsored by Electric Ireland.