In-person Darkness Into Light returns

THE annual Darkness Into Light event is set to return to the town on Saturday May 7 and will see the re-introduction of an in-person sunrise walk.

Beginning at 4.15am, the event is managed and delivered by Pieta House in partnership with local organising committees and provides the opportunity for local people to stand in solidarity with those impacted by suicide and self-harm issues.

Adrian Loughrey, manager at the Koram Centre, the local charity partner for the event, commented, “We are honoured to be part of the local Darkness Into Light event which does such a fantastic job of highlighting such an important issue. Suicide and self-harm are issues which, although affecting many families, both locally and across Ireland, for a long time have been kept hidden and not talked about and a stigma felt by those that were in distress and needing support. Event like Darkness Into Light help to address that stigma and give hope to those suffering in this way.

“The Koram Centre is truly grateful for the continued support of the local community which we do not take for granted. Funds raised by the event go directly to support us to continue our work in supporting those experiencing mental health and emotional well-being issues, including those at increased risk of suicide and self harm.”

Ciaran McLaughlin from the Strabane Darkness Into Light Committee added, “After two years dealing with restrictions, we are so pleased to see the in-person event return this year. We would encourage everyone who would like to take part to register for the event and help to make this the biggest event possible. Whether you do it with your local clubs, schools or work colleagues, it is important to remember that the support of the local community places a key role in providing light against the darkness.”

Debbie Deans from the local committee went on to say that although DIL is traditionally a walk, there has been a lot of interest in people registering either individually or as a group to take part in a sunrise hike or swim.

“We encourage everyone to take this long-awaited opportunity to meet up with your family and friends and take part this uplifting and very special event – whether you are on a mountain, road, or in the sea or forest we want to see your sunrise pictures,” she said.

If you would like more information about the event or would like to register you can visit the Strabane Darkness Into Light page on Facebook @StrabaneDIL,or on the website at https://www.darknessintolight.ie/.