Rose of tralee maria walsh urges mayo locals to walk into the light

WITH less than two weeks to go until Darkness Into Light 2015, Rose of Tralee 2014 and Shrule native Maria Walsh has called out to the people of Mayo to register early and join the fundraising and awareness event, taking place in Ballina, Westport and Shrule this year.

Close to 500 people have registered to take part in the event already this year. Supported by Electric Ireland, Darkness Into Light is a unique, early morning fundraising event for suicide and self-harm crisis centre Pieta House. The event begins in darkness at 4.15 a.m. as thousands of people walk or run a 5km route while dawn is breaking around the globe.

“Darkness Into Light is a truly unique and moving event. The sight of thousands of people in yellow t-shirts walking and running towards dawn is simply extraordinary. The event has turned into a national awareness campaign loved by Irish people everywhere. I’m encouraging everyone to get out and register - don’t let this event pass you by,” said Joan Freeman, founder of Pieta House.

Darkness Into Light is now in its seventh year and last year’s event attracted 80,000 participants in 39 locations across Ireland and in London and Sydney. With the number of locations doubling this year, organisers are expecting over 100,000 people to take part. Eighty venues will host the event on the island of Ireland and abroad, including Australia, Canada, England, Scotland and the USA.

While Darkness Into Light raises much needed funds, it is also about awareness, solidarity and local communities. This year, Pieta House is asking those taking part to connect with others at the event. Walkers/runners are encouraged to speak to the person beside them, tell a story or simply say hello, connect and acknowledge one another.

Pre-registration takes place in Westport Leisure Park from Monday to Friday between 8 and 10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. until Friday, May 8, and also in Westport House every day until Friday, May 8, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. In Ballina, pre-registration takes place in World of Wonder toy store, the Functional Fitness studio, Chipadora takeaway, and in The Auld Shebeen public house. The walk starting points in Mayo are: Shrule Community Centre; Gracy’s Bar, Westport; and St. Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina.