Launch of the annual Darkness into Light fundraising event

Darkness Into Light, the annual fundraising event organised by Pieta and supported by Electric Ireland, is taking place on Saturday May 6 in Athlone Town Football Stadium

More than 100,000 people will come together across 200 locations for the most important sunrise of the year.

Each year the walk provides an opportunity for communities to come together and to bring hope to people who have been impacted by suicide.

Suicide continues to be a real problem in Ireland and was the leading cause of death in young men aged under 25 in the country in 2019.

Darkness Into Light helps raise essential funds and enables Pieta to continue providing free of charge suicide prevention, intervention and bereavement support to people of all ages across Ireland.

In Leinster in 2022 alone, Pieta delivered over 30,000 hours of free, one-to-one therapy, and helped over 4,100 clients. Almost 40% of clients in Leinster presenting to Pieta in 2022 were under 18 years old with a further 35% in the 18-35 year old age bracket.

The funds raised from this year’s Darkness Into Light will help communities within Westmeath, with the funding going directly to Pieta’s services.

Speaking at the launch, Brian O’Doherty, Darkness Into Light committee member said suicide touches every household in the country.

"Darkness Into Light is the moment you can see that. So many people come to remember their loved ones. Others come to remember their own struggles or to gain hope for the future. The fundraising is important, but the sense of community and hope is our motivation,” commented Brian O'Doherty, while, Stephanie Manahan, CEO, Pieta said that over 80% of Pieta’s annual funds are raised every year from public donations and events, like Darkness Into Light.

"By signing up and taking part, every single person helps to support us continue to provide the services like the 24/7 crisis helpline which receives up to 2,000 calls and texts each week," said Ms Manahan.

Everyone is invited to sign up at www.darknessintolight.ie to make a valuable contribution.

Electric Ireland have worked in partnership over the last ten years to build Darkness into Light and have agreed to continue their sponsorship for another three years up until 2025.’

Pat Fenlon, Executive Director of Electric Ireland commented, said each year they work with Pieta to create marketing and fundraising campaigns to promote awareness of this unique event.

"I am delighted to announce that we have renewed our sponsorship for another three years up to and including 2025. Darkness into Light is very important to our staff, customers and the communities in which we operate."

Whether it’s taking part at an event in your community, with family, friends and colleagues or taking on a challenge by walking, running, jogging, or swimming and fundraising for Pieta, there are endless ways to take part in the most important sunrise of the year. Sign up and take part at darknessintolight.ie