Laois prison officers invite all to first Darkness Into Light walk

Portlaoise prison officers in Laois are inviting the public to join what is their first Darkness Into Light Walk, in aid of suicide prevention and support.

Midlands Prison staff and families are adding their walk to the hundreds of dawn walks around Ireland and worldwide, this Saturday, May 6 at 4.15am.

They have invited everyone to join them.

"We are celebrating Darkness into Light 2023 in Portlaoise. This is a Preliminary event and not an Official walk as we missed the cut off for applications unfortunately but you are more than welcome to join and support us in our efforts to walk from Midlands Visitors Centre on the Dublin Road at 04:15am on May 6.

"Passing the Killeshin Hotel, turning up toward the Secondary Schools and down the Borris Road and finishing back in the Visitors Centre for sunrise to remember our family, friends, colleagues who have lost their struggles."

Supporters can donate in their name here. 

Two other Laois Darkness Into Light walks will take place, one from Portarlington GAA club, and one from Durrow soccer grounds. Read details on those walks below.

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There are over 200 official walks for Darkness Into Light in 2023 across 15 countries spanning 5 continents. The money raised goes towards the work of Pieta House, who offer free counselling to people affected by suicide and self-harm.