‘Darkness into Light’ set to be Pieta’s largest event

Darkness into Light 2015, organised by Pieta House, is set to be their biggest event since it was launched in Phoenix Park, Dublin in 2009.

It celebrates its seventh year on Saturday, May 9th 2015 and organisers expect a record number of people to get involved on the morning.

It is one of Ireland’s most important events in the fight against suicide and has nearly doubled in size since last year with 80 venues taking part in Ireland and abroad.

“This year, Darkness into Light is bigger than I personally ever imagined when we started out in 2009. I don’t think we even considered it happening anywhere other than the Phoenix Park,” said Sinead Wells of the Phoenix Park Committee.

The event starts at 4.15 am and participants cross the line just as dawn is breaking, ’the phenomenon that is Darkness into Light’.

Pieta’s Oliver Skehan said, “In terms of size, there are twice as many venues as last year with 80 locations staging the event across Ireland and internationally. Last year, nearly 80,000 people took it upon themselves to take part in 40 locations and this year we’re hoping 100,000 people will come out and support us.”

This year the five kilometre walk has four locations in Dublin, and a further 17 overseas including Australia, Canada, England, Scotland and the USA.

“On May 9th it becomes reality and usually blows me away. It can get quite emotional, especially when I meet friends and family! To see the crowds arriving is really very humbling,” Sinead added.

Darkness into Light aims to raise awareness about suicide and self-harm and offer hope for those who may be struggling.

“Our volunteers are outstanding. I feel this event will grow and grow, regardless. It brings people together, and gives them, and me hope,” said Sinead.

Pieta House is a suicide and self-harm crisis centre which first opened its doors in Lucan, Dublin in January 2006, and there are now nine Pieta House centres in Ireland.

The organisation provides ‘a professional, face to face, free of charge therapeutic service for people in the acute stages of distress.’

To date, Pieta House has supported more than 17,000 people, with more than 5,000 of those seeking help in 2014.