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Light up the Night Global Challenge

From Bessbrook to Japan, our blue light carried hope across the world!

In 2013, our charity was recognised internationally as a leader in raising awareness and support for people living with M.E. and Fibromyalgia. That year, we were honoured to win the Global “Light Up The Night Challenge” set by the Canada-based 'May 12th Awareness organisation for International M.E. and Fibromyalgia Awareness Day.

 

Watch May 12th challenge with Craigmore Viaduct shown at (1.47 mins in) YouTube video:  Here

 

The project was made possible thanks to the generosity of our local community. Funds were raised through a lively fundraising evening featuring a Dolly Parton tribute band, a prize raffle and selling homemade cakes and pastries, which brought members of the public together in support of our cause.
 

On the night of the awareness event, the Newry Lord Mayor joined us for the official countdown, as council buildings across Northern Ireland lit up in solidarity. The highlight of the evening was the illumination of the iconic Craigmore Viaduct in Bessbrook—its 18 arches, stretching a quarter of a mile, glowing blue against the night sky.

 

The powerful image of the Viaduct was captured by a local newspaper photographer and featured on the front page of the Newry Democrat. It quickly travelled far beyond our local community, shared 2,500 times from ME Research UK’s Facebook page. Among the many reactions was a heartfelt comment from an M.E. patient in Japan who wrote, 

" I am grateful, even from here.”

 

This landmark achievement not only shone a light across Northern Ireland but also resonated worldwide, bringing hope and visibility to people with M.E. and Fibromyalgia across the globe.