Darkness into Light walk raises almost €50,000

THE Darkness into Light walk held in Wicklow town back in May ended up raising a staggering €49,821 for Pieta House.

Members of the organising committee and representatives from Wicklow Lions Club paid a visit to Coláiste Chill Mhantáin where they presented Barbara Morris of Pieta House with a cheque of all the proceeds raised for the charity dealing with people who are in distress.

Sean Olohan of Wicklow Lions Club said: ‘We didn’t really think we could beat last year’s figure of €37,200. It’s a credit to the people of Wicklow who got out of bed last May to show their support for this amazing cause.’

Over 1,500 people rose bright and early on Saturday, May 12 to lend their support to Pieta House’s flagship annual fundraising and awareness event.

The event has taken place in Wicklow town for the past three years and continues to grow in stature year by year. Nationally the walk has been taking place for ten years.

There was a carnival atmosphere outside The Brass Fox at Leitrim Place for the start of the 5k walk.

’Padraig Boyce provided the music which greeted all the participants while 40 members of Wicklow Community Choir, led by musical director Tony Norton, sang three beautiful pieces.

GAA specialist and radio presenter Michael Sargent kept the crowd entertained in preparation for the 4.15 a.m. start. The Willie Dunne Silver Band welcomed back the tired participants.