Tallaght man Johnny Fox wins national volunteer award
By Mary Dennehy
TALLAGHT man Johnny Fox was presented with a national volunteer award for his commitment to the Darkness into Light event – and for volunteering with Tallaght Athletic Club for over 50 years.
Johnny and his wife Gertie helped develop the inaugural Darkness into Light 5km walk in the Phoenix Park in 2009 – an event which has grown into a global movement of hope and support.
Johnny Fox, wearing his Darkness Into Light hat, proudly holding his awards at Tallaght AC
Living in Tymon North, Johnny and Gertie connected with Pieta House after sadly losing their son to suicide in 2008.
Determined to help others, the couple volunteered to help organise the first walk, which, alongside raising funds for Pieta House, connects communities and supports those bereaved by suicide.
Although Johnny is now hitting 80, he continues to support Darkness into Light and helps set it up every year – and is present on the day, encouraging participants until the last person crosses the line.
Last Friday, December 6, Johnny was named the winner of the Campaigning and Awareness Raising category of the Volunteer Ireland Awards for his commitment to Pieta House and Tallaght Athletic Club.
Speaking with The Echo after receiving the award, Johnny said: “The comradery of the Darkness into Light event is amazing, people are so lonely after [losing a loved one to suicide].
“The walk helps get people together, and to feel hope for the future.
“It’s a movement of hope that lets people know they are not alone, there is help . . .and there is always someone there to put an arm around your shoulder.”
While honoured to receive the award, Johnny spoke of the many volunteers making a difference in their communities daily.
“When I was presented with this award it’s just got me thinking about the amount of people out there who don’t get recognition,” Johnny said.
“The amount of people in Tallaght alone who give their time is unbelievable.
“If we didn’t have volunteers, I don’t know where we’d be.”
Supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development and Healthy Ireland, the Volunteer Ireland Awards shine a light on ‘ordinary people doing extraordinary things’.
According to Tricia Nolan, South Dublin County Volunteer Centre Manager: “We are lucky to have volunteers like Johnny here in South Dublin.
“Johnny has given so much to the local community over the last 50 years and at almost 80 years old shows no signs of slowing down.
“Volunteers are often unseen, but the contribution they make to Irish society is immense.
“These awards give us a chance to say thank you and celebrate the difference volunteers make every day.”
For further details on Pieta House and its support services visit www.pieta.ie or call Pieta House on 1800 247 247 or its Dublin South branch on 4624792.
TAGS Tallaght
