Darkness Into Light, the annual fundraising event to raise funds for Pieta’s work to prevent suicide and self-harm, sponsored by Electric Ireland, returns at 4.15am on Saturday, 11th May, 2024.
With 100,000 participants expected at more than 230 official walks across four continents and many more taking part to fundraise in their own way, Darkness Into Light 2024 will bring communities together for the most important sunrise of the year, beginning in darkness and continuing through to dawn, symbolising the journey from despair to hope.
Last year in Leinster alone, Pieta provided almost 30,000 hours of therapy and saw over 4,000 clients. They also supported almost 500 families and households bereaved by suicide across the province.
Pieta depends on the funds generated by Darkness Into Light, with over 85% of the charity’s annual income coming from public fundraising. Pieta’s 300 qualified Therapists, Suicide Bereavement Liaison Officers and support staff across the country rely on this essential income to continue their lifesaving work.
By participating in the event, supporters can make a real and tangible difference, as the €26 sign-up fee for Darkness Into Light can enable Pieta to answer two calls to their 24/7 helpline, providing immediate support and guidance to those in crisis.
Pieta provides an easily accessible, free of charge service which is available online, by phone or in person. Support is open to people from all walks of life and Therapists provide assistance to individuals from 8 to 88 years old. Darkness Into Light plays a crucial role in enabling Pieta to uphold its commitment to providing suicide prevention, intervention and bereavement support services, ensuring that help is always within reach when it is needed most.
Members of the Drogheda committee of Darkness into Light pictured at their latest Community Information day in the Town Centre.
A spokesperson for the Drogheda Darkness into Light committee said: “We look forward to seeing you all at our Darkness Into Light walk on Saturday, 11th May, 2024, as planned.
For us, Darkness Into Light is a profound moment that we mark in our calendars each year. It is a time when as families, friends, and neighbours we all come together to walk from the darkness into the light. We believe this act of solidarity is crucial, one that raises awareness about the serious issues of suicide and self-harm in our community.
We believe that everyone facing crisis deserves support when they feel overwhelmed by darkness. Pieta provides that support, helping tens of thousands of people every year affected by suicide and self-harm.
That’s why we invite you to join us in solidarity once again this year. Let’s walk together, united as family members, friends, and neighbours. Let’s continue to shine light into the darkness and offer hope to those who need it most.
New Route
- Assemble at St. Nicholas GFC Clubhouse from 3.30am 11th May 2024
- 4.15am – Depart St. Nicholas GFC and head west on Rathmullan Road
- Proceed west on Rathmullan Road joining Boyne Greenway heading east.
- Head east on Boyne Greenway to St. Dominic’s Park.
- In St. Dominic’s Park continue east to 3rd right turn (facing Carpark)
- Follow this lane to exit St. Dominic’s Park heading west on Rathmullan Road to re-enter St. Nicholas GFC.
This year will be Drogheda’s eleventh Darkness Into Light Walk and we are changing our venue to St. Nicholas GFC, Rathmullan Road. This allows us to bring the River Boyne and Greenway into the new route as well as St. Dominic’s Park is planted. We will finish back at St. Nicholas GFC and we welcome all participants to join us afterwards for tea and coffee.
Sign up today at www.darknessintolight.ie
