Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Councillor Sarah Duffy, officially launched the 2025 Darkness Into Light Armagh Walk at Navan Fort and Centre – the scenic and symbolic location where the annual event takes place.

The launch was attended by event organisers and representatives from PIPS Hope and Support, the official partner charity for the Armagh Walk. Together, they gathered to mark the beginning of the countdown to what promises to be another powerful morning of hope, remembrance, and solidarity.

Darkness Into Light, proudly supported by Pieta and taking place in locations across the world, is an annual event that brings communities together in the early hours to walk from darkness into dawn – a powerful symbol of hope for those impacted by suicide and self-harm. This year’s walk will take place on Saturday 10th May 2025, with the Armagh walk commencing at 4:15am from Navan Fort with the proceeds from the event supporting the vital services provided by PIPS Hope and Support. 

Speaking at the launch, Lord Mayor Cllr Sarah Duffy said:

“Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council is proud to support this vital initiative. Suicide is everyone’s business, and each of us can play our part in sending out a message of hope, compassion and support. I have attended the Armagh Darkness Into Light Walk every year since it began, and each time I am struck by the heartfelt sense of community and the shared strength among all who take part. It is truly a heartening and hopeful experience.

I would encourage everyone across Armagh and beyond to sign up, come along, and show that support is available and that no one has to walk alone.”

Padraig Harte, Fundraising, Marketing and Communications Manager at PIPS Hope and Support, added:

“We are incredibly grateful to Cllr Sarah Duffy for her continued support and for officially launching this year’s Darkness Into Light Armagh Walk. Events like this are so important in breaking the stigma around mental health and suicide.

Darkness Into Light is a reminder that we are stronger together — that together, not alone, there is hope. When we walk side by side in the early morning light, we’re sending a powerful message: to those who are struggling, you are not alone, and help is always available.

This event also plays a vital role in allowing PIPS Hope and Support to continue delivering our free, life-saving services across Armagh and the surrounding areas. It enables us to raise awareness, reach more people in crisis, and let the wider community know that support is out there.

Darkness Into Light helps us amplify a simple but crucial message — you are not alone, and it’s okay to ask for help. Take that first step, reach out, and know that there are people ready to listen and walk with you on your journey.

We would love to see as many people as possible join us on the morning of 10th May. Stand with us in the fight against suicide and self-harm, and walk in solidarity to shine a light for hope, healing, and connection.”

PIPS Hope and Support would like to extend sincere thanks to the Lord Mayor for helping to launch this important event, and to the committed team of organisers who work tirelessly each year to make it happen. We encourage the citizens of Armagh and the surrounding areas to get behind this initiative and walk with us on Saturday 10th May.

To register for the Armagh Darkness Into Light Walk, visit www.darknessintolight.ie.
For more information, contact PIPS Hope and Support on 028 3026 6195 or email fundraising@pipshopeandsupport.org.

Let’s come together, step by step, and be a beacon of light and hope in our community.