THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE across the country got up early and took to their local streets, parks and beaches to take part in Pieta’s annual Darkness into Light fundraiser this morning.
The fundraiser saw over 115,000 people take part in group walks, runs and even swims in over 200 locations across ten countries to help support Pieta’s suicide intervention, counselling and bereavement services.
It is the first time in two years that it has been held in-person, with the last two events taking place virtually due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Despite the pandemic, the event raised €6.5 million for Pieta last year when over 140,000 people in Ireland and across the world took part virtually.
This year also saw the event held in eight countries abroad, including Australia, Canada, Spain and the US.
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. Around 200,000 now take part every year.
Speaking in the Phoenix Park this morning, where the 5km walk began at 4.15am, Pieta CEO Stephanie Manahan thanked everyone who took part.
“Whether you walked, whether you ran, whether you swam, whether you had a private contemplated moment to walk together in community with people who have been impacted by suicide and self harm, we thank you, we appreciate you,” she said.
“Now home, get a cup of tea, and thank you again.”
#Mallow out in numbers again this year for #DIL2022 #Pieta #SuicidePrevention #ThankYou pic.twitter.com/GPG1DZmAK5
— DarknessIntoLight Mallow (@D2LMallow) May 7, 2022
Darkness into Light Galway. #sunrise#DIL pic.twitter.com/wLJgeBf8Wn
— Gráinne Seoige (@grainne_seoige) May 7, 2022
Manahan said it was ”beyond inspirational to be a tiny part” of the 5km walk in the Phoenix Park, and thanked those involved in organising this year’s events, as well as Pieta’s therapists.
“We could not provide the services that we do without you. Our therapists have worked throughout this night and will work on into the morning, talking to you, answering your calls, so please know and reach out if you need to talk to somebody, that Pieta are there to help you,” she said.
Just home now from another emotional and amazing night with @DILMarlayPark Thanks to all the volunteers who made it happen and to everyone for raising awareness for @PietaHouse #DarknessIntoLight #DIL2022 pic.twitter.com/kImh7s8BFt
— Cllr Peter O’Brien (@CllrOBrien) May 7, 2022
Huge attendance on our Glasnevin campus for this morning's #DIL2022 event for @PietaHouse, organised by @DCUSU.
— Dublin City University (@DCU) May 7, 2022
Thank you to the volunteers, @GardaTraffic and @irishredcross who helped make event happen.
And thank you to all the students, staff and friends of @DCU who attended! pic.twitter.com/JuiXOuxmNK
Veteran journalist Charlie Bird led the Darkness into Light walk in Bray, Co Wicklow, while Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald took part in the event in Hannahstown, Co Antrim.
According to Pieta, this year’s event has raised €3,705,274 so far.
After the darkness comes the light. Belfast Hannahstown #DarknessIntoLight #pietahouse pic.twitter.com/g4sTLUJT3I
— Mary Lou McDonald (@MaryLouMcDonald) May 7, 2022
We are so proud to lead out this year's #DarknessIntoLight walk in @visityoughal along with other local heroes in aid of @PietaHouse. You can support us at the link below, and give Pieta a follow to find out more about the amazing work they do! 🌅💛
— Adam King Adventures (@AdamKingIRL) May 5, 2022
https://t.co/ifHoaOjuSZ pic.twitter.com/1zKWmrVQzj
26 hours later and that's another @PietaHouse Trim Darkness Into Light done... Time to hit the hay.... thanks everyone for an epic morning pic.twitter.com/2bDm137m05
— Fergal Lynch (@truefergallynch) May 7, 2022
If you need to talk, contact:
Pieta House 1800 247 247 or email mary@pieta.ie
Samaritans 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
Aware 1800 80 48 48
Teen-Line Ireland 1800 833 634 (for ages 13 to 19)
Childline 1800 66 66 66 (for under 18s)
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