Rise and shine: Leitrim town hosts morning climb in support of Darkness into Light

The third annual Darkness into Light climb of Sheemore Hill is set to take place on Saturday morning, 16 May, in Leitrim Village, County Leitrim. The event, organised by local residents, will see a group of walkers and climbers ascend the hill in support of North West STOP, a mental‑health charity that operates in the north‑west of the country. The climb is part of the wider Darkness into Light campaign, a national initiative that encourages people to climb hills and mountains to raise awareness of mental health and suicide prevention.

The event, titled “Rise U” – a shortened form of the full phrase “Rise Up” that has become a rallying cry for the campaign – will see participants start early in the morning, before the sun has fully risen, and make their way up Sheemore Hill. The hill, which rises to a height of 423 metres, is a popular local destination for walkers and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The climb will be a modest challenge, suitable for a range of fitness levels, and will be led by volunteers who will provide guidance and support along the route.

North West STOP, the charity that will receive the proceeds from the climb, has been working in the region for many years to provide mental‑health services and support to those in need. The charity’s work is particularly important in rural areas, where access to specialist care can be limited. By raising funds through the climb, the organisers hope to support the charity’s programmes and to bring greater visibility to the issue of mental health in the local community.

The third edition of the climb follows two previous years of the event, which have already attracted a growing number of participants. In 2022, the first climb was held on Sheemore Hill, and in 2023 the event was held again, with a larger turnout and increased media coverage. The organisers have said that the climb has become a staple of the local calendar, and that it has helped to bring the community together around a common cause.

Leitrim Village has a long tradition of community events, and the Darkness into Light climb is no exception. The village’s residents have worked together to plan the route, arrange safety measures and secure sponsorships from local businesses. The event will also feature a post‑climb gathering at a nearby pub, where participants can share their experiences and enjoy a meal together. The pub, which has a long history in the village, has agreed to provide a space for the gathering and to offer a special menu for the event.

The climb will be open to the public, and anyone who wishes to take part is welcome to sign up. The organisers have encouraged people to register in advance, as space is limited and the event is expected to attract a large number of participants. Those who are unable to climb but still wish to support the cause can donate to North West STOP or volunteer to help with the event’s logistics.

The event is scheduled to start at 7:30 am, with the climb taking approximately two hours to complete. Participants will be advised to bring suitable footwear, water, and a light jacket, as the weather can be unpredictable in the early morning. The route will be marked with signs and will be monitored by volunteers who will be on hand to provide assistance if needed.

The organisers have also highlighted the importance of mental‑health awareness in the local community, and have urged people to reach out for help if they are struggling. The event will feature a short talk from a mental‑health professional, who will discuss the signs of depression and anxiety and will provide information on how to access support services.

The climb is part of a broader movement to raise awareness of mental health and to reduce the stigma surrounding mental‑health issues. By bringing people together for a shared experience, the organisers hope to foster a sense of community and to encourage people to talk openly about their mental‑health challenges.

For more information about the event, including how to register and how to donate to North West STOP, readers can refer to the Leitrim Observer article.

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