The ninth year of Darkness into Light in Lisnaskea was another successful event as more than 600 people came out to give hope to those impacted by suicide.

The walk from the Castle Park Centre and around the town was dotted with musicians and dancers along the way to keep spirits up, while 1km of the route was a chance for people to reflect and when they finished that part they were met with a sign, ‘Hope’, lit up by 500 candles.

Speaking about the event, Oak Healthy Living Centre’s Health Promotion Co-ordinator, Patricia Flanagan, said she was pleased with how it went and the message it is sending out.

“It is very emotional, particularly if someone has lost someone to suicide, but the feeling [was great] they all got up at that time of morning to walk from the darkness into light [and show] that there is hope, show support to each other and that there is a community there and they are there if you need help.

“We are trying to get that message of positivity across.”

Local schools also got involved with messages of positivity from primary schools displayed in the hall at the event, while St. Kevin’s College students made an arch with motivational messages.

Patricia also pointed out that although the event is organised by Pieta House, the Oak Healthy Living Centre is a partner charity, so 50 per cent of registration fees and 100 per cent of donations at the event in Lisnaskea sees the money stay in the community for mental health initiatives.

“We have mental health initiatives, suicide awareness courses and preventative work as well, and we have a suicide support group to support families that are bereaved by suicide,” explained Patricia.

She also paid tribute to the volunteers on the night, from those who helped steward the walk to those who served food and drink after it.

St. Michaels’ College

As well as in Lisnaskea, participants of Darkness into Light also met at dawn on Saturday to walk 5km and meet the sunrise at St. Michael’s College, Enniskillen.

The Darkness into Light event coincided with the official Fermanagh walk, which takes place in Lisnaskea each year.

Joanne O’Neill, from St. Michael’s College, said it was a great opportunity for the school community to come together and help raise vital funds and awareness for life-saving services that support people affected by suicide and self-harm.

“The school would like to thank everyone who came along and took part or helped out in any way. We are already looking forward to next year’s event,” said Mrs. O’Neill.

The school worked in collaboration with the Lisnaskea event to host the event on their own premises.