The Darkness into Light walk in Duleek was in memory of Ryan Griffin who tragically passed away last year.

Duleek mum thanks her local community for its support and for remembering her son during Darkness into Light walk

An inspirational Duleek mother who organised a Darkness into Light walk in memory of her fourteen year old son who took his own life last year has thanked the local community for their support.

Rebecca Griffin started the event in the village last year to give back to Pieta, a charity that continues to offer support to her and her family following the tragic passing of their son Ryan who tragically passed away last year. Summing up the event, the brave mum said:

"It was just an unbelievable day. The response from our village and beyond was so positive and overwhelming. The commitment and dedication of every single participant to get up in the early hours of the morning was just inspirational.

"The support of the whole community and the local businesses has been vital in making this year's event a success. There was a huge amount of support from across the village and we thank you all, but it’s important to give some special praise to Catherine Hughes and all her team at BEO for all their teas, coffees and tasty treats.

"A huge thank you to Ciara Kelly and everyone at Duleek Football Club for their ongoing support to us and the community as a whole."

Rebecca says she hopes the event that she started last year will enable others to get the help they need, she added:

"We did Darkness into Light in memory of Ryan who we miss and think about all the time. Pieta continue to help and support us since we lost him so we are happy to contribute to Darkness into Light in our own way, as we have seen the great work that they do first hand.

"It’s vital that everyone in our village and beyond, are aware of Pieta and all the services that they provide. Having a local event in Duleek helps to get the Pieta message out to our community. We want everyone to know that the help and services that they provide apply to you. Support is there for you and it’s ok to ask for help."

Like Rebecca and the village of Duleek thousands of people across the county joined together to take part in Darkness Into Light events to raise funds for the suicide and self-harm prevention charity Pieta.

Walks, runs and swims were held at dawn across Ireland and around the world, raising millions of euro to support its services.

Fairyhouse Racecourse's event was a huge success with over a thousand participants taking part to show their support for the cause. Taking to social media, a spokesperson for the walk said: "1,132 people who registered, set your alarms and came to Fairyhouse this morning to raise awareness and vital funds for suicide awareness and mental health.This post is proof that we all made a difference this morning and that our little communities came together in spirit, love and solidarity on May 6th 2023 at 4:15am."

There was an impressive turn out in Trim with organisers praising volunteers for their part in making the walk such a success.

"A committee of five people spent the last six months planning this walk but none of this was possible with out our volunteers who stand by us and make this journey possible," reads a post on their social media page. "Without our dedicated volunteers this event would not happen. Our TY students from Scoil Mhuire Secondary School, Trim, our emergency services at Trim Fire Service, Meath Civil Defence, Meath River Rescue and Irish Red Cross - Trim."

Meanwhile those participating in Slane Village Darkness Into Light met at the square and made their way to The Hill of Slane where walkers had a very special moment lighting a tea-light for loved ones taken too soon.

As always huge crowds gathered at Navan Rugby Club for their event and Dunshaughlin hosted its first ever DIL event in aid of Pieta House at the Dunshaughlin GAA Clubhouse.