Westmeath Darkness into Light events approaching

A number of Darkness into Light walks are to take place in Westmeath on Saturday, May 11.

The national event is sponsored by Electric Ireland and is in aid of suicide prevention, with funds raised going to Pieta House.

In Mullingar, it will begin at 4.15am at St Loman’s GAA grounds before participants make their way into the town park via Millmount Road and back to the starting point.

The Mullingar event has been organised collaboratively this year by Writech, Mullingar Tidy Towns, Apache Pizza and Pita Pit.

In a statement, they invited “everyone in the area” to join this year’s walk.

“Together, let us illuminate the path from darkness into light, offering hope and support to those who need it most," they said.

Hundreds attended last year's event which followed the same route.

Darkness into Light is also taking place in Ballymore this year.

The walk will start at 4.15am on the High Street, down to Ballymore GAA grounds, and then back to the town where tea and refreshments will be available for all.

An additional walk is to take place on the same night; beginning at 4am at Girley Hall.

Some 560 people have already signed up for Darkness into Light events in Westmeath this year and €3,418 has already been raised.

Anyone who would like to register or make a donation can do so here.