Darkness into light walk remembers Kerry teenager who died by suicide

Nathan was only 14 when he died by suicide in 2007. His family sought to salvage something even out of the deepest tragedy, and ‘Nathan’s Walk – Darkness Into Light’ has done the power of good for suicide- and self-harm-prevention charity Pieta since its inauguration in 2011.

That start date makes this the oldest Darkness Into Light event outside of Dublin, with the first Darkness Into Light walk getting underway just four years previously in the capital city’s Phoenix Park.

That history, coupled with the walk’s popularity – it’s consistently up there with the nation’s best-attended Darkness Into Light events – mean it’s worthy of a launch night, and that very launch will take place on Tuesday, May 7 next, at JM Reidy’s on Main Street, Killarney.

“It’s starting at 7.30 and continuing until nine,” Nathan’s mother, Marie, told The Kerryman. “On the same night, we’ll have pre-reg, so anyone who registers with us on the night will get a [Darkness Into Light] t-shirt.

“We also have registration available at Killarney Racecourse on Thursday, May 9, from 3pm to 7pm; and Friday, May 10, from 4pm to 8pm.”

You can also register on the day of the walk from 2am to 4am, shortly after which the event will depart from Killarney Racecourse, the start-finish point of the five-kilometre route.

“Anyone that registers with us will get t-shirts, but I’d say we’ll only have enough for those who do register with us, so anyone who registers online will have to get their t-shirt online,” Marie advised.

Online registration is possible at www.darknessintolight.ie/, and further information is available from Marie at (083) 339 4944. All are welcome to Tuesday’s launch and, as the organisers have put it, a night of special guests, finger food, and heartfelt conversation.