In a powerful display of solidarity and hope, Liverpool’s vibrant Irish community came together in the early hours of Saturday, 9th May for a special “Darkness Into Light” 5K walk. Organised by a collective of dedicated local clubs, the event raised a phenomenal £4,000 to support the vital mental health services provided by the Young Person’s Advisory Service (YPAS).
The symbolic walk, which represents the journey from despair to hope, began at 4:30 am at the Liverpool Irish Centre, a cultural home for the city’s Irish diaspora. As dawn broke, participants walked together before returning to the Centre for a well-earned breakfast, fostering a profound sense of community spirit.
This year, the coalition of clubs chose to dedicate their efforts to YPAS, a charity that provides a safe and supportive environment where young people feel heard, valued and empowered. In a heartfelt message to the charity, organiser Áine McNamee of Liverpool Wolfe Tones GAA said: “Following the success of last year’s event, it is a real honour to fundraise for YPAS and help raise awareness of the incredible work you do every single day for the young people of Liverpool.”
The success of the fundraiser was a testament to the unwavering commitment of multiple organisations that form the backbone of Liverpool’s Irish network:
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Irish Community Care, a registered charity based on Dale Street, has been proudly supporting Irish communities across the North West for over 50 years, offering vital support, information and guidance.
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The Liverpool Irish Centre on Boundary Lane serves as a thriving community and social hub, supporting everything from music and language to mental health awareness and well-being, truly being a second home for those living away from the emerald isle.
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Irish Rovers, who run regularly through the week, are a familiar and energetic presence, keeping the community active and connected.
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Liverpool Wolfe Tones GAA, founded in 2010, provide an opportunity to play Gaelic games and have grown into the only club in the North West to field teams in all four codes of Gaelic Games.
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John Mitchels GAA, one of the oldest GAA clubs outside Ireland with a history dating back to the 1890s, are a storied club that famously won an All-Ireland club game on Irish soil.
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Mersey Harps FC, a grassroots football club founded in 2009, are the reigning Liverpool Old Boys Amateur League Premiership champions, providing a vital community and team for so many.
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The Picton Network, a community-focused primary care network, is committed to combating social exclusion and improving the quality of life for local people.
For YPAS, such fundraising is not just a financial boost – it is the lifeblood that allows the charity to keep its doors open and its services free at the point of access. Every donation, big or small, directly helps a young person navigate challenges that can often feel overwhelming.
The spirit of “Darkness Into Light” is one of collective strength, and the incredible effort by these seven clubs embodies the very essence of community. We are profoundly grateful to Áine McNamee and every single person who pulled on their trainers, donated or spread the word. It is solidarity like this that lights the path for young people across Liverpool.
Thank you for your support 💛
