Over 200,000 people will gather to fund a much-needed service and at the same time open a dialogue about the suicide and depression
Hundreds of thousands of people will walk into the sunrise this Saturday 11th May, to raise money for Pieta House, the suicide crisis charity.
The weather looks to be calm but chilly at 4 degrees with some cloud, but should still make for a beautiful sunrise.
It’s a 5 kilometre walk that not only raises funds but shows how Irish people are beginning to recognise the importance of mental health.
Everyone gathers to fund a much-needed service and at the same time open a dialogue about the suicide and depression. While it can be difficult to get out so early on a weekend, it’s worth it to see the sun rise and start a conversation with your family about mental health and support.
It helps to dissolve the stigma around mental health and the pure volume of 200,000 people shows that everyone experiences rough days and that there is plenty of support out there to those who seek it.
You can still register in any of the rest of the 200 venues in the 19 countries it runs.
The Darkness into Light events in Marley Park, Malahide and Clontarf are sold out and Phoenix Park will likely close today.
These are the only events with a maximum participation. Places still open near Dublin are Bray, Clontarf, DCU Campus, Malahide Castle, TU Dublin Grangegorman, Caninteely Athletic Club, Ringsend and Tymon Park.
And in the rest of the country there is a walk in almost every town and townland, from Buncrana to Skibbereen.
Each of the events begin at 4.15am just before sunrise. Its free for children under 5, €5 for under 17s, €25 for adults and €20 for students, jobseekers and seniors.
Today is the last day to register with guaranteed t-shirt delivery before the event. You can register here: https://www.darknessintolight.ie/venue
The event by Pieta House and Electric Ireland has been running for seven years and last year raised €6million in funding that is essential for running Pieta’s 24 hour helplines, counselling and bereavement services.
“It’s difficult to describe the incredibly hopeful feelings created by Darkness Into Light. As a therapist and Clinical Manager, we see first-hand the undisputable need for Pieta to be present in our communities.” said Siobhan Leijen, Clinical Manager for Pieta Midlands
“The walk is about far more than just the raising of funds. It brings people together from all over the world every year because the need for change is immense.”
Worldwide close to 800,000 people die due to suicide every year. In Ireland 392 people took their own lives in 2017. Pieta offer free services to those contemplating suicide, self-harming or going through bereavement due to suicide.
Pieta operates a free 24-hour suicide helpline on 1800 247 247