Athlone's Darkness Into Light confirmed to go ahead

Rebekah O'Reilly

Athlone's Darkness Into Light walk will definitely to go ahead in May, organisers have confirmed.

There was immense disappointment locally when, at the start of the month, the Darkness Into Light Athlone Facebook page posted that the event would not take place this year.

However, Pieta spokesperson Matthew Oakes was quick to alleviate community concerns when confirming to the Westmeath Independent that the twelfth edition of the walk would now proceed.

"Yes, I can confirm that this year’s event is going ahead on May 9 at 4.15am.

"We know there has been some confusion locally, but planning is continuing and we are looking forward to the event.

"We are very grateful to the local volunteers and supporters, past and present, whose time, energy and commitment have helped make the event possible each year.

"Their support, and the fundraising it generates, plays a hugely important role in supporting Pieta’s work, raising awareness and funds for the charity's suicide and self-harm prevention services,” Mr Oakes said.

The Pieta spokesperson said anyone interested in volunteering for this year's walk can contact the team at info@pieta.ie.

The Athlone Darkness into Light walk starts and ends at Athlone Town Stadium in Lissywollen taking participants through the town in a unifying message of hope.

The eleventh edition of the walk in Athlone, which was part of the suicide prevention charity's overall national fundraising campaign, took place last May and attracted strong support locally, with approximately 1,500 people taking part in the night to dawn walk.