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People taking part in the Greystones walk. Bryan Keane/INPHO
In Pictures
Thousands take part in Darkness into Light walks across the country
This year saw 177 walks take place from 4.15am across 18 countries.
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:
- 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)
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