Darkness Into Light Celebrates 15 years of shining a light on the community

Volunteers pictured at a Pieta 15 Year Milestone Gathering for Darkness Into Light which took place at Pieta Midwest Mungret, Co. Limerick. Pic: Don Moloney

2024 marks 15 years of Darkness Into Light which has grown exponentially from its original gathering of 400 people in Phoenix Park to an international event

2024 marks the 15th anniversary of Darkness Into Light (DIL), a global movement that has brought communities together in solidarity and hope to support those affected by suicide and self-harm. From humble beginnings in 2009, when 400 participants gathered in Dublin’s Phoenix Park to walk at sunrise, DIL has grown into a worldwide phenomenon, connecting millions of people each year.

The following year, 2010, saw the event spread far and wide with Limerick’s launch taking place at the Limerick Strand Hotel which saw some very special Limerick faces together to help support and publicise the charity event.

Organised by Pieta and supported by Electric Ireland since 2013, the event has become a powerful symbol of light in the darkness, raising awareness about suicide and self-harm while funding life-saving services.

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This year’s Darkness Into Light event took place on May 11, 2024, and brought together communities from Limerick to Australia to take part in the 5km walk at dawn, designed to foster hope and remembrance for those impacted by suicide.

Since its inception, DIL has relied on the dedication of volunteers to create meaningful experiences, to show the group’s appreciation for its volunteers on Thursday, December 5, International Volunteer Appreciation Day, Pieta posted to Instagram, “Today, on International Volunteer Day, we want to recognise the incredible work of our volunteers and committee members. From organising Darkness Into Light walks to supporting fundraising initiatives, you are the heart of Pieta. ⁣Your commitment and compassion impact lives every day. Thank you for making a difference.”

Darkness Into Light events over the years have included individuals, clubs, schools, and more contributing to the Pieta mission of promoting compassion and connection through the event.

Pieta first opened its doors in Lucan, County Dublin in 2006 and since then we have seen and helped over 70,000 people in suicidal distress or engaging in self-harm. The charity now operates 20 locations across Ireland and employs over 300 therapists and support staff, and the demand for our service is increasing.