The inaugural Darkness into Light walk in Loughrea will be launched by native of the town and current star of Dragon’s Den, Chanelle NcCoy, on April 18 from 6.30pm.
The launch will take place in the rooftop garden of the LoughRea Hotel and Spa.
Loughrea’s Darkness into Light event will take place on May 6 at 4.15am, starting at the Fire Station on Barrack Street. The route will take participants on a 5km walk around Loughrea, taking in the Walks and Corry’s field. It will begin in the darkness of the night and finish as daylight breaks, back on Barrack Street. Participants are then invited to the Temperance Hall for early morning refreshments.
“There is a great sense of anticipation about our first DIL in Loughrea,” said Bernie Grace of the Darkness into Light organising group in Loughrea. “The sad reality is that suicide has affected every town and village in Ireland. Pieta House is a centre for prevention of self harm or suicide and it supports thousands of people affected by suicide or who are struggling to cope with life.
“We are fortunate in Galway to have the service based in Tuam. This event, which raised €3.5 million for Pieta House last year, is a movement against suicide. Money raised helps keep the doors of Pieta House open and broadens the range of services available to people who are in distress.”
The organisers are thrilled to have the support of Chanelle McCoy. However, anyone who wishes to participate can register online now and up to April 27 at dil.pieta.ie
Local organisers will also be running a number of pop up events in the coming weeks. People can register to take part at these events, or can collect their tee-shirt if already registered.
The pop ups are in the Credit Union on April 22 from 12 noon to 4pm, and in SuperValu on April 28 and 29 from 12 noon to 4pm.
