The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Thomas Hogg officially launched the Darkness into Light charity walk which will take place on Saturday 7 May 2016 from V36 at The Valley.

Darkness into Light was started in 2009 by Pieta House Suicide Awareness Centre in Dublin, with a few hundred people supporting the event in its first year. There are now over 110,000 supporting Darkness into Light events across 100 locations and 4 continents which are essential for raising funds and awareness of the tragedy of suicide.

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council are delighted to assist local mother Colette Snoddy, who made contact with Pieta House in an effort to do something positive in memory of her son Matthew who was tragically taken by suicide in May 2015.

The new V36 event space and park is the perfect location to hold a dawn walk and run which aims to bring the community out in support of this worthy cause and help prevent more loss of life and distress to so many families. This walk will be fund raising both for Pieta House and local suicide prevention support service Light House.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Thomas Hogg commented “Statistics have shown Northern Ireland has the UK’s highest record of suicide for the second year running, and I am delighted to be backing this event. I would encourage you all to show your support and help raise awareness of Suicide prevention by registering for this 5km walk/run.”

Darkness into Light will take place on Saturday 7 May at V36 starting @ 4.15am when it is still dark with participants walking into the light as dawn arrives. This event is in conjunction with Pieta House and Light House.

Please show your support for this event and register today http://dil.pieta.ie/