ONCE again, the annual Darkness Into Light fundraising and awareness walk was a great success around the county, as Fermanagh people took part in the island-wide walk, that is supported by other walks around the world, to help raise awareness of and support for those affected by suicide and self-harm ideation.

One such walk was held in Lisnaskea, which saw an incredible turn-out of more than 800 people for the local walk on Saturday, May 7, with the walkers walking from the pre-dawn darkness into the new day.

Thanking the community for turning out in force, Patricia Flanagan, Health Promotion Coordinator at the Oak Healthy Living Centre, Lisnaskea, praised the event, saying: “It was a great success, allowing people to come together to show support to those who have been bereaved or affected by suicide, and also to show there is hope, and to reach out if you are struggling.

“The Oak Healthy Living Centre is a charity partner with Pieta, and 50 per cent of [the participants’] registration fees will go to the Oak Healthy Living Centre, while 100 per cent of their donations or fundraising will stay within the centre to provide metal health and wellbeing initiatives locally.

“The services that the Oak Healthy Living Centre provide can be accessed via Facebook, our website or by telephoning into the centre and speaking to a member of the team.”

She added: “Full details of the total amount raised will be published in the coming weeks. Thank you all for your support.”