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The annual Bessbrook/Camlough ‘Darkness into Light’ Walk takes place on Saturday 11 May in Derramore Forest Park commencing at 4.15am.
It's just one of hundreds of walks which will take place all over Ireland at the same time to help create more awareness around mental health, to fight suicide and also to remember loved ones lost to suicide.
Craobh Rua Camlocha Hurling Club, Derramore Mens Shed and the Camlough Community Association, the main organising groups involved with organising the ‘Darkness Into Light’ Walk, joined Chairperson of Newry Mourne & Down Council Cllr Valerie Harte and representatives from Darkness into Light and PIPs Hope & Support to launch the event and to issue an invitation to all to attend.
Speaking at the launch Council Chairperson Cllr Valerie Harte said “Darkness into light is an opportunity to show that every person has the power to be a light against the dark. It brings all communities together in the spirit of solidarity, comfort and compassion whilst at the same time raising much needed funds for Charities such as PIPs Hope & Support which provides responsive care to those in need and also provide support for those bereaved by suicide”.
Local Councillor Declan Murphy speaking at the launch said “This will be a family friendly, safe event and we invite all to attend to ‘share one sunrise together’. Camlough Community Association is very proud to be once again involved in the organising of this Walk along with the Derramore Men’s Shed and Craobh Rua Camlocha Hurling Club.
We appreciate the support of the National Trust staff and ‘The Friends of Derrymore” and we urge anyone participating on this walk to respect the environment and the location.
The message I and all of us involved with this event want to get out is that there is help and support out there. There are great organisations and people in the community who can and do help.”
PIPs Hope & Support are a Charity Partner of Pieta House and will be receiving 50% of what this event raises.
Seamus McCabe, Chief Executive of PIPS Hope and Support reflecting on this years Darkness into Light said “We are immensely proud to be selected along with Pieta House as the beneficiaries of this event and would like to express our grateful thanks and appreciation to Bessbrook and Camlough Darkness Into Light Committee the Camlough Community Association, Derramore Mens Shed and Craobh Rua Camlocha Hurling club.
"Unfortunately, many people in our community have been by touched by suicide, but this very special event undoubtedly touches everyone who takes part, harnessing the power of coming together and bringing hope to those most in need. It is a great initiative to raise awareness and to recognise the pain suffered by victims and their families, whilst also raising much-needed funds for two charities – who help many vulnerable and bereaved families every year."
Event co-ordinator Raymond Flynn said "Together, we can build a brighter future and give hope to all who have been impacted by suicide and self-harm here locally, throughout Ireland and across the globe”.
Ample parking will be available along the Derramore Road and in the St Peter’s Cloughreagh primary school vicinity.
Peter O Hanlon from Craobh Rua concluded said “The Walk will start up at Derramore House so we ask everyone to try their best to be there for 4.15am. Please follow the Stewards instructions. First Aid Officers will be on hand.
"By taking part in Darkness Into Light participants will unite in every corner of Ireland to help shine a light on suicide and self-harm while raising vital funds for Pieta’s and PIPs lifesaving support and services”
Donations can be made to the event via www.darknessintolight.ie or by Donation on the day.
