Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE have taken part in the annual Darkness Into Light fundraiser this morning in support of suicide and self-harm prevention charity Pieta House.
The 5km walks begin in the early hours of the morning before the sun rises and finish as dawn breaks.
People can also take part in the event by running, wheeling, cycling and swimming as the sun rises.
This year saw 177 walks take place from 4.15am across 18 countries.
One of the biggest events to mark the major fundraiser in Ireland took place in Dublin’s Phoenix Park.
Proceeds from the event are used to support Pieta House’s services providing care for individuals and support for their families.
Last year, over 80,000 people took part in 200 Darkness Into Light walks across 15 countries.
Over €4 million was raised for Pieta House, with the charity saying this funded an estimated 100,000 helpline calls and texts and delivered more than 40,000 hours of therapy.
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.
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:
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
have your say