The Oak Healthy Living Centre are delighted to be able to hold their Darkness into Light walk this year after two years of a break with the pandemic.

Darkness Into Light is a unique, early morning experience which begins in darkness at 4.15am as thousands of people walk or run a 5km route while dawn is breaking. The 2019 Darkness Into Light attracted over 1,000 participants. The Lisnaskea event will take place on Saturday, May 7 at 4.15am starting from the Castle Park, Lisnaskea

Patricia Flanagan, Health Promotion Coordinator with the Oak Healthy Living Centre said she was “thrilled that Darkness Into Light will take place in Lisnaskea again this year".

SEE ALSO: Darkness Into Light Lisnaskea: Supporters to take part in alternative sunrise event

Continuing Patricia said: "The walk is an extraordinary success story and we’re so delighted to be part of it. The walk is a symbol of hope and we here in the Oak Healthy Living Centre believe that there is hope and that people going through a difficult time can get through it with”.

"As the Oak Healthy Living Centre are a charity partner with Pieta House 50 per cent of the funding raised through the walk remains in the area to support the Oak Healthy Living Centre to deliver health and wellbeing programmes and a 100 per cent of the donations received stay within the centre."

Describing the important work carried out by the centre, Patricia said: "In 2021 the centre delivered health and wellbeing focused programmes such as Living Life to the Full, Mindfulness, Weekly stress management sessions, yoga sessions, complimentary therapies, Lifeskills, signposting referrals to counselling and other support services, befriending and support for families bereaved by suicide through our SOLOS, Suicide support group."

She added: "SOLOS meet in the centre on the second Monday of every month at 8pm."

While Darkness Into Light raises much needed funds, it is also about awareness, solidarity and local communities.

Patricia said: "This year, we are asking those taking part to connect with others at the event. Walkers/runners are encouraged to speak to the person beside them, tell a story or simply say hello, connect and acknowledge one another. Make your presence known. No one should walk alone."

Lisnaskea’s Darkness Into Light events are taking registrations now. Online registration and further details are available now at www.darknessintolight.ie or on Facebook - darknessintolightlisnaskea.

For more information on Darkness Into Light in Lisnaskea you can contact The Oak Healthy Living Centre on 028 67723843.

This year participants are encouraged to register online, all T shirts will be posted to the participant’s homes, therefore it’s important to register early to allow time for T shirt delivery. You can also still register online at www.darknessintolight.ie or by contacting the centre on 028 67723843.