Our first ever Darkness to Light 5km community walk took place in Colemanstown in conjunction with many other venues across 4 of the world’s continents at 4.15am this morning. More than 50 people clad in woolly hats & warm coats as well as numerous children, some even in push chairs and 2 dogs made up the contingent to brave it for suicide awareness. This was a great turn-out for an event organised in the last week by word-of mouth in the local area. MC Kevin Devally gave a concise outline of the work of Pieta House in their fight for suicide prevention prior to commencement of the walk. Lighted tea lights placed strategically on the boundary wall lit the pathway to the starting point. At 4.15am everyone was off. This was one of the first events in Colemanstown ever to start on time. This was to coincide with all other locations across the globe. Although there was nip in the air, one didn’t feel a bit of it due to the camaraderie generated along the route and Mattie Hynes’ beautiful hand crafted natural lighted ‘tea cans’ made from bog material which greeted and warmed participants as they rounded the first corner. One simply had to be in awe alone to appreciate the effort that was made. As the walk progressed one couldn’t be amazed at how quickly morning broke into full natural day- light. There’s a silent message in that for us all. From Darkness into Light……. On return to the clubhouse, there were welcome refreshments including many homemade goodies and cakes thanks to the hospitality of our ever reliable volunteers and bakers.
In total over €700 was raised for this very worthy cause and donations can still be made through Burkes Bar, Colemanstown. Thanks to the neighbours resident in the vicinity of the clubhouse for their co-operation in this walk proceeding. Hope no-one was awoken from their sleepy slumber. A huge thanks to all who turned out in honour of this great cause and to those who added to the atmosphere by providing the beautiful tea lights, refreshments etc.
This idea, like many others, originated from a party and these kinda proposals always reap fruition. This one was no different to any other event organised in the area. Thanks to the Burke family for co-ordinating this event and to Rachel Dunleavy for her efforts in promoting it through social media. Due to its phenomenal success and the positivity it generated, we’ll be looking forward to an even bigger event next year.