Darkness Into Light 2023 will see more than 100,000 people across 200 locations come together for the most important sunrise of the year

Darkness into Light 2023 will take place on Saturday, May. Darkness Into Light is a global movement dedicated to raising vital funds for Pieta’s life-saving services.

Darkness Into Light 2023, the annual fundraising event organised by Pieta is taking place on Saturday, May 6

Darkness Into Light, the annual fundraising event organised by Pieta is taking place on Saturday, May 6th, 2023 and will see more than 100,000 people across 200 locations come together for the most important sunrise of the year.

Each year the walk provides an opportunity for communities to come together and to bring hope to people who have been impacted by suicide.

Launched by presenters Jennifer Zamparelli and Greg O’Shea organisers are welcoming everyone to join the event and raise vital funds for Pieta’s lifesaving services.

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Suicide continues to be a real problem in Ireland and was the leading cause of death in young men aged under 25 in the country in 2019*.

Darkness Into Light helps raise essential funds and enables Pieta to continue providing free-of-charge suicide prevention, intervention and bereavement support to people of all ages across Ireland.

In 2022 alone, Pieta delivered over 50,000 hours of free, one-to-one therapy, helping over
6,500 clients in locations nationwide.

The 24/7 crisis helpline received almost 100,000 calls and texts and supported close to 700 households bereaved by suicide. Almost 35% of clients presenting to Pieta in 2022 were aged between 18-35 years and a further 36% of clients in the same year were under 18 years.

The funds raised from this year’s Darkness Into Light will help communities around the country, with the funding going directly to Pieta’s services.

Speaking at the launch, Darkness Into Light ambassador, Jennifer Zamparelli said, “I am proud to support and take part in Darkness Into Light 2023. Each year, myself and a group of good friends take part and it is great to see so many thousands of people out together, starting in the darkness and walking towards the sunrise together.

“So many communities come together for such an important sunrise, with the sense of collective hope palpable at every step of the walk. I invite everyone to sign up and take part; trust me, it will be a truly memorable occasion for such an important cause.’’

Darkness Into Light ambassador, Greg O’Shea commented, “I am delighted to be an ambassador for Darkness Into Light, such an important event in the calendar each year. Sadly, suicide is a real problem in Ireland and signing up for this event can help make a real difference in people’s lives by ensuring that Pieta can continue providing their invaluable services.

“Join me and many others as we walk together towards the most important sunrise of the year; we all have a role to play in tackling suicide. By simply signing up, taking part, and fundraising if you can, you will make such a difference in supporting the work that Pieta does every day of the year.’’

Stephanie Manahan, CEO, Pieta commented, “Over 80 per cent of Pieta’s annual funds are raised every year from public donations and by people taking part and supporting events like Darkness Into Light. By signing up and taking part, every single person helps to support us continue to provide the services like the 24/7 crisis helpline which receives up to 2000
calls and texts each week. Everyone is invited to sign up at www.darknessintolight.ie to make a valuable contribution.”

The Pieta House CEO expressed her gratitude to Electric Ireland who has agreed to continue sponsoring the event for a further three years up to 2023.

Whether it’s taking part at an event in your community, with family, friends and
colleagues or taking on a challenge by walking, running, jogging, or swimming and
fundraising for Pieta, there are endless ways to take part in the most important
sunrise of the year.

Sign up and take part at here
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