Thousands of people to take part in Darkness Into Light events this morning
People taking part in last year’s event in the Phoenix Park in Dublin
THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE are set to take place in the annual Darkness Into Light fundraiser this morning in support of suicide and self-harm prevention charity Pieta House.
Various Darkness Into Light events are taking place in dozens of locations in Ireland and 14 other countries this morning. The events are kicking off around 4.15am.
Participants are taking part by walking, running, wheeling, cycling and swimming as dawn breaks.
Darkness Into Light began in 2009, when 400 people set off in the Phoenix Park in Dublin on a 5km walk to raise funds for Pieta.
Over 100,000 people attended last year’s Darkness Into Light events around the country, which helped raise over €4 million for Pieta.
The money raised last year helped to fund 100,000 helpline calls and texts, 50,946 counselling hours and 6,865 unique therapy journeys.
One of the biggest events last year took place in Phoenix Park in Dublin, with up to 10,000 people in attendance.
The late veteran broadcaster Charlie Bird led the Darkness Into Light walk in Bray, Co Wicklow.
If you have been affected by any of the issues mentioned in this article, you can reach out for support through the following helplines. These organisations also put people in touch with long-term supports:
- Samaritans – 116 123 or email [email protected]