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The Bessbrook/Camlough annual ‘Darkness into Light’ Walk takes place on Saturday 10 May at Derramore Forest Park.
Commencing at 4.15am the walk is part of a series of similar events which take place all over Ireland helps to bring more awareness to mental health, fight suicide and also remember loved ones lost to suicide.
This will be a family friendly, safe event and we invite all to attend to ‘share one sunrise together’.
Raymond Flynn local Darkness into Light Coordinator extending an invite to all to attend the early morning Walk 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.
“Suicide Prevention services are in demand more than ever and they need the public’s support.This annual Walk will raise funds for not only Pieta House but also for P.I.P.S Hope and Support. Those taking part can register at WWW.DARKNESSINTOLIGHT.IE or make a donation on the morning.
Flynn urged all those attending to follow the stewards instructions. “There will be ample parking along the Derramore Road and in the St Peter’s Cloughreagh primary school vicinity. Many thanks to the Headteacher and staff of St Peter’s Primary School for the continued support for our ‘Darknes into Light’ event”.
Chairperson of Camlough Community Association Declan Murphy speaking at the launch said at Derramore House where All Ireland Senior Football Trophy the Sam Maguire was guest of honour 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.
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."
Eamonn McCann Craobh Rua Camlocha Hurling Club who have been an integral part of the Darkness into Light event since it first commenced at Derramore reminded those taking part to be there for 4.15am.
“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”
