NEW DAWN, NEW DAY FOR FIRST EVER DARKNESS INTO LIGHT HANNAHSTOWN THIS WEEKEND

NEW DAWN, NEW DAY FOR FIRST EVER DARKNESS INTO LIGHT HANNAHSTOWN THIS WEEKEND

  It begins at4.15am on Saturday morning while it is still dark and finishes as dawn breaks, bringing in the light.  

Started by suicide prevention charity Pieta House and sponsored by Electric Ireland, the walks have become a worldwide annual event helping those affected by depression, self-harm and suicide as well as supporting local charities with the same vision and help raise much needed funds for their own community. 

Jim McCormick, Chair of the Darkness Into Light Hannahstown Committee said,

“This event is enabling communities to come together to take action and address the disturbing increase in the number of suicides in the area, in a positive and meaningful way.

“It is all about pulling together to help our fellow neighbours, friends, team mates, work colleagues and families, to say that we are here if they need to talk or share a problem that is bothering them.  

“For years suicide has been a taboo subject shunned by many, but quite a few of those who have registered are doing the walk, not just to remember someone they’ve lost, but to do something positive to help raise awareness.

“Our local nominated charity this year is Suicide Awareness who are based on the Falls Road.  They are a support group that helps people across all of West Belfast experiencing difficult times in their lives and also the families and friends of loved ones who have lost their life to suicide.

“Often as many as 100 service users walk through their doors every week so they rely heavily on fundraising, donations and volunteers to keep their organisation open to help the community in their hour of need,” said Jim. 

 Over 600 people have registered to take part locally.   Thousands of others will also spread their light across the world in 150 other venues in 4 continents.  You can still register at http://dil.pieta.ie/event-information/venues/hannahstown  A considerable amount of planning has been carried out by the organising committee to ensure the event is as safe and enjoyable as possible.  The Organisers have asked all those participating to be aware of the following;

• All participants are asked to be at Lámh Dhearg car park for 3:45am.

• Lámh Dhearg car park will be open to walkers / runners from 3am on Saturday 6th May and operated on a first come first serve basis until 3:30am. It will remain closed from 3:30am and until everyone has completed the course (approx. 6.30am).

• The Darkness into Light route will be closed to all traffic from 3:30am to 6:30am and all participants are asked to follow all safety signage and instructions given by the stewards. 

• A park and ride facility will also operate from Kennedy Centre with bus leaving at 3:15am sharp and will return from Hannahstown at approx. 6.30am

• Anyone wishing to leave straight after completing the course should park in St Joseph’s Church on Hannahstown Hill as the Lámh Dhearg car park will remain closed until everyone has completed the course.

• Please leave all valuables at home and bring only a small amount of money with you.

• Wrap up well and please bring a small torch with you for safety.

• Water will be available at the finish point only. Toilets are located at the start and midway point.

• Children are very welcome at the event and must be registered.  For their enjoyment and safety they should remain with you at all times.  Bicycles/roller-skates and rollerblades should be left at home.

• Dogs must be on a short leash and controlled at all times.  Please clean up after your dog.

Breakfast will be provided in the Lámh Dhearg clubrooms' after the walk and they would encourage everyone to call in afterwards for refreshments and a chat.  For further information and regular updates go to our Darkness Into Light Hannahstown page on Facebook.