‘Amazing experience’ at Darkness Into Light walks

THOUSANDS gathered in local parks in the early hours of Saturday morning to raise awareness of mental health and to remember loved ones lost to suicide for Darkness Into Light.

The annual fundraiser in aid of Pieta House started at 4.15am at various parks around the county, including Corkagh Park and Tymon Park, with attendees walking as the sun rose.

In Corkagh Park, more than 2,500 people took part in Darkness Into Light led by local woman and RTÉ ‘Operation Transformation’ leader Stephanie Bowden – with over €45,000 being raised.

Stephanie told The Echo: “It was an amazing experience.

“We all have a story, and at some stage in your life you can feel a bit lost.

“I learned from Darkness Into Light that if you need to talk to someone, or if you feel alone, you can ask for help – you’re not a burden.

Darkness Into Light volunteers in Corkagh Park

“It was a very moving morning, and I was very grateful to be a part of it. It was a privilege to be a part of it.”

The Corkagh Park event kicked off with a performance by local retired men’s choir RAMS in Rhythm, who gave a rousing rendition of ‘Ireland’s Call’ and performed throughout the event.

Over in Tymon Park, over 2,000 people took part in the Darkness Into Light event organised by local GAA club St Jude’s – raising over €40,000 for Pieta House in the process.

Niall Turner, a coach at St Jude’s who helped to organise the event, told The Echo: “It was quite upbeat, which was really nice.

The Maher and Mockler families after the walk in Corkagh Park

“We had a ukulele band called Good Vibes who played for the crowd, and we handed out Darkness Into Light candles.

“The vibe was one of people coming together, and there was a strong sense of community.”

Darkness Into Light in Tymon Park has become a key part of the annual calendar for both the local community and St Jude’s as it has resonated strongly with many.

“I think it’s just become more and more recognised that mental health is something going on for people behind closed doors, but now people are sharing their difficulties,” said Niall.

“There was real recognition in St Jude’s that this event shows people that the community is behind them and supports them, that it’s not something to be ashamed of or keep secret.

“It’s important that people feel that they can seek support in the community, and St Jude’s wants to be a key part of that by putting on this symbolic event in the community.”

Other Darkness Into Light events were also held in Marlay Park, St Anne’s GAA Club in Bohernabreena, and Thomas Davis’ GAA Club.

For more information visit  the darknessintolight website HERE  or pieta house HERE  or , call Pieta House on 1800 247 247 or its Dublin South branch on 01 462 4792.

For full access to all content on Echo.ie and to support the continuation of local news and local journalism in your community subscribe HERE. Thanks for your ongoing support.