LAST UPDATE | 10 May 2025

THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE took part in the annual Darkness Into Light fundraiser this morning in support of suicide and self-harm prevention charity Pieta House.

The five-kilometre walks are known for starting in darkness before the sun rises and finishing in the daylight, designed to represent a symbol of hope and finding ‘light after dark’.

Walks began at around 4.15am at 197 locations in Ireland and abroad.

People could take part by walking, running, wheeling, cycling and swimming as the sun rose.

INPHO INPHO

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Bryan Keane / INPHO Bryan Keane / INPHO / INPHO

One of the biggest events to mark the major fundraiser took place in Phoenix Park in Dublin.

Proceeds from the event are used to support the charity’s services providing care for individuals and support for their families.  

Last year, over €4 million was raised by Pieta House, who said that an estimated 100,000 helpline calls and texts were funded as a result.

The charity added that 51,489 counselling hours and 6,919 unique therapy journeys were also funded last year as a result of Darkness Into Light.

If you have been affected by any of the issues mentioned in this article, you can reach out for support through the following helplines. These organisations also put people in touch with long-term supports:

• Samaritans 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
• Text About It – text HELLO to 50808 (mental health issues)
• Aware 1800 80 48 48 (depression, anxiety)
• Pieta House 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444 – (suicide, self-harm)
• Teen-Line Ireland 1800 833 634 (for ages 13 to 19)
• Childline 1800 66 66 66 (for under 18s)