Close to 20,000 took part in the world-wide event
Close to 200,000 walkers across Ireland and throughout the world started a journey into hope as part of Pieta’s annual flagship fundraiser, Darkness Into Light.
The event, supported by Electric Ireland, has become a global movement against suicide and, this year, it took place in 202 locations across 19 countries in 5 continents.
All funds raised through Darkness Into Light will go towards supporting Pieta, which provides counselling, therapy and bereavement services across its 15 centres in Ireland.
It also provides a 24-hour suicide helpline (1800 247 247) and contributes to the Resilience Academy programme, which supports youth mental health in schools.
Since opening its doors 13 years ago, Pieta supported 40,000 people who were at the point of suicidal crisis and/or engaging in self-harm.
Speaking on this morning’s events, which began at 4.15 and saw close to 200,000 people walk or run 5km, Elaine Austin, the CEO, Pieta said: ‘Darkness Into Light unites us as people, from rural communities to major cities, across the globe, in a spirit of comfort and compassion to give and build hope.
‘It connects us all, creating the energy for change, in which suicidal thoughts, self-harm and stigma can be replaced by hope, self-care and acceptance. It is vital for the delivery of our services and for raising awareness. However, the journey continues beyond the finish line of the walk. It is vital that we continue to build hope.’
Darkness Into Light (DIL) is Pieta’s flagship annual fundraising and awareness event. It started with approximately 400 people walking the 5km course in Dublin’s Phoenix Park in 2009. This year, the venues in Cork county grew to include: Ballincollig, Ballyvolane, Ballyvourney, Bandon, Bantry, Blarney, Carrigaline, Castletownbere, Clonakilty, Cobh, Dunmanway, Fermoy, Glanmire, Inchigeelagh, Kanturk, Kinsale, Mallow, Midleton, Mitchelstown, Schull, Skibbereen, UCC and Youghal.
