Darkness into Light 2022 takes place in four Limerick locations

Darkness into Light 2022 was launched by Grainne Seoige, musician Tolu Makay and former Dublin GAA player Philly McMahon, pictured above.

Well-known faces join Pieta House & Electric Ireland for the 2022 Darkness into Light launch as Pieta reveals almost 100,000 calls & texts were received last year

Limerick Darkness into Light, the annual fundraising event organised by Pieta, who provide life-saving support services for those in suicidal distress and who have been bereaved through suicide, is back and will take place as the sun rises on Saturday, May 7, 2022, at four Limerick locations – Kilmallock, Murroe, Newcastle West and Limerick City.

As the world continues to reopen, Darkness Into Light will return with its organised walks in over 17 countries across 5 continents, beginning in darkness at sunrise and continuing through to dawn, symbolising the journey from despair to hope.

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A number of well-known faces from the worlds of sport, music and entertainment have come together to launch Darkness into Light 2022, including broadcaster Grainne Seoige, musician Tolu Makay and former Dublin GAA player Philly McMahon.

Speaking at the launch, Darkness Into Light ambassador, Grainne Seoige said, “I have supported this event both in Ireland and in South Africa for the last number of years and I’m delighted to be part of the launch this year, especially as the popular walks return and people can come together again in support of the cause.

She continued, “Up to 200,000 people gathered around the globe in previous years to walk in solidarity with those experiencing dark times and this year we want to encourage people to get their groups together once again and sign up to make a real difference.”

Calling on people to sign up, the ambassadors are reminding participants that by signing up to the event, they are making a valuable contribution to helping raise funds for Pieta’s life-saving work in therapy and support services for those impacted by suicide.

In 2021 alone, the 24/7 Pieta Helpline received almost 100,000 calls and texts and close to 2,000 crisis calls and texts each week. In response, each month, the team at Pieta provides over 4,000 hours of suicide and self-harm crisis therapy. Each day, seven additional teenagers come to Pieta for one-to-one support.

Speaking on the importance of the event in supporting the ongoing work that Pieta undertake across Ireland, Sinead Price, Fundraising and Marketing Director for the organisation said, “Every day, seven additional teenagers come to Pieta for one-to-one support. Darkness into Light is vital for fundraising, raising awareness and bringing people together across the globe in the spirit of solidarity, comfort and compassion. Social connection is the heartbeat of Pieta so we are delighted to have our organised events back this May.”

Electric Ireland has been a proud supporter of the event since 2013, and speaking at the launch, Head of Brand, PR and Sponsorship, Sarah Sharkey reflected on the importance of the event, saying, “We have worked with Pieta for the past ten years in helping to raise awareness and understanding of the impact of suicide. The power of Darkness into Light is in its ability to bring hope and consolation to communities across the country and to raise much-needed funds for the vital service provided by Pieta. This is really important to so many people as is evident by the thousands who participate each year, and our entire organisation is behind the event again this year and delighted with the return of the organised events.”

Darkness into Light is a global movement dedicated to raising vital funds for Pieta’s life-saving services. Whether it’s walking, running, hiking, or sharing their sunrise over a hot cuppa with family and friends, this is a great opportunity for people all around the world to come together with a renewed energy and a sense of purpose; to make a big difference and to be a light against the dark.

The Limerick city walk will start / finish at the TUS Moylish Campus at the usual time of 4.15 am on Saturday May 7th.

How to contact Pieta:

To avail of Pieta services, visit www.pieta.ie or call 0818 111 126. Pieta provides 24/7 support via the Freephone crisis helpline on 1800 247 247, or text HELP to 51444 (standard message rates apply).

Sign up for Darkness into Light 2022 HERE

For other Pieta House stories, go HERE