Over 1,600 register for Darkness Into Light in Offaly
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OVER 1,600 people registered to take part in Darkness Into Light events in Offaly on Saturday morning last.
A total of €45,000 has so far been raised by participants to aid the Pieta House suicide prevention and awareness charity.
Due to Covid restrictions participants had to complete their walks, runs or hikes in their own areas explained the Chairman of the Tullamore Darkness Into Light committee, Jason Rabbette.
Mr Rabettee extended thanks to all those who took part in the event and to the members of his hard-working committee.
“The sunrise walk, cycle, run or hike commenced at 5am on Saturday with people from all over the county participating,” he added.
The annual event brought in €7.3m for suicide prevention charity Pieta House this year.
The coronavirus pandemic meant people were not able to come together as they have in previous years; however, thousands of people got involved virtually.
The theme for this year was ‘One Sunrise Together’ – and 143,000 took part in walks, runs, cycles or swims as the sun rose
Pieta House fundraising and advocacy manager Tom McEvoy said the fundraiser was a success despite the changes.
“The funding has exceeded previous years,” he said. “This is the largest ever year in terms of funding.
“In terms of numbers and people who have registered, it is down on previous years but being honest with you, it was a different event so it is very, very difficult to compare like with like. In previous years, people attended a venue.”
Offaly school receives national recognition for wellbeing programme
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TULLAMORE S Sacred Heart School Wellbeing team are delighted to have been awarded the Amber Flag for 2021!
Wellbeing Coordinator, Ms Laura Geraghty said “This flag is really important because it is awarded by the Pieta House team and it recognises that our school promotes positive mental health- despite all the barriers we had to face during the last year. By achieving the Amber Flag this year, it really is a testament to the importance we have placed on mental health and well-being. We look at our look achievements throughout the year and are grateful to have had the team of students we worked with, and their energy and positivity kept us going”