Pieta House, the suicide and self-harm charity is calling on people to sign up to for Saturday’s Darkness Into Light event, which is set to be the biggest ever held.
The charity’s annual fundraising and awareness event in association with Electric Ireland takes place in three locations across Roscommon and 90 venues throughout Ireland this year.
Darkness Into Light is a unique, early morning experience which begins in darkness at 4.15am as thousands of people walk or run a 5km route while dawn is breaking. Last year’s event attracted 100,000 participants in over 80 locations across Ireland and abroad.
The Roscommon town event starts and ends at The Convent of Mercy Gym, the Ballaghaderreen event at St Nathy’s College Sports Hall and the Castlerea event starts at The Hub and goes through the Desmesne. Other nearby locations include Ballinasloe (from Emerald Ballroom) Carrick on Shannon (from Carrick Sports Complex) and Longford town (from the Mall Sports Complex).
To register for your local walk visit www.darknessintolight.ie
Last year, 2,000 people completed an on-line survey comprised of a series of questionnaires both before and after taking part in Darkness Into Light. The research, conducted by the University of Limerick in conjunction with Pieta House, showed a significant increase in levels of well-being after taking part in DIL, particularly for those who had lost someone to suicide. The research also showed the important role of connecting with others to overcome suicidal ideation.
“Darkness Into Light is a truly unique event and this research proves what we have been seeing every May since 2009. It’s much more than a fundraiser but an opportunity to reflect and to come together in solidarity with your community” said Joan Freeman, Founder of Pieta House. “I’m encouraging people to join the thousands of people in Ireland and across the world and walk from the darkness into the light on May 7th” said added.
Pieta House is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. More than 20,000 people have come through the nine centres across Ireland during the last decade.