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Actor Moe Dunford launched Darkness Into Light taking place on May the 9

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Pictured were (l to r)  Moe Dunford; Actor, Joan Freeman; Founder of Pieta House and Brian Higgins: CEO of Pieta House at the national launch of Darkness

Pictured were (l to r) Moe Dunford; Actor, Joan Freeman; Founder of Pieta House and Brian Higgins: CEO of Pieta House at the national launch of Darkness

Pictured above are Brian Higgins, CEO, Pieta House, Actor Moe Dunford & Joan Freeman, Founder Pieta House at the national launch of Darkness Into Light.

Patrick’s Day and Vikings actor, Moe Dunford launched Darkness Into Light, Pieta House’s flagship fundraising event, held in association with Electric Ireland. The walk, now in its seventh year, will take place in a record 80 venues across Ireland, England, Scotland, Australia, Canada, and the USA.

Taking place on Saturday, May 9, Darkness Into Light is a unique, early morning experience which begins in darkness at 4.15am as thousands of people walk or run a 5km route while dawn is breaking. The early dawn represents hope and is symbolic of the work of Pieta House; bringing people from darkness back into the light.


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Speaking at the launch in the Irish Film Institute, Pieta House founder, Joan Freeman, said: “It’s remarkable to think that Darkness Into light will reach 80 venues in Ireland and abroad this year. Pieta House has a busy year ahead with the launch of a pilot service in New York this summer which will be based in the Irish Immigrant Centre in Queens. With the high rate of emigration over the last number of years and with all the generosity and support offered by Irish people to Pieta House we owe it to the Irish abroad to offer them a service should they need it.”

Ms Freeman added, “Our mission remains the same in Ireland, but we are committed to offering the service to

Pictured were (l to r) Joan Freeman; Founder of Pieta House and Moe Dunford; Actor at the national launch of Darkness Into Light.

Pictured were (l to r) Joan Freeman; Founder of Pieta House and Moe Dunford; Actor at the national launch of Darkness Into Light.

people who might need it further afield. The service is just a starting point to see what demand is there but we will also begin to roll out the ‘Mind Your Buddy’ campaign within the GAA in New York.”

Darkness Into Light 2014 attracted over 80,000 participants in nearly 40 locations around Ireland. It marked the first time Irish expatriates could take part with walks in both London and Sydney taking place.

Brian Higgins, CEO of Pieta House said: “This year’s Darkness Into Light event will see an estimated 100,000 people all over the world supporting others on their journey from darkness into light. Our job in Pieta House is to be there for people at a time of crisis, to serve them in their need. We are a people’s charity and we exist thanks to our supporters both in Ireland and abroad.” 

Jim Dollard, Executive Director of Electric Ireland, who are kindly sponsoring Darkness Into Light for a third year said: “We have been overwhelmed by the positive response from our customers and staff to this initiative which really touches the hearts and minds of people throughout Ireland. Electric Ireland are really looking forward to working with Pieta House to ensure 2015 is another successful year for Darkness Into Light”.

Darkness Into Light is the most vital component of Pieta House’s fundraising calendar. As demand for the service continues to grow and with more than 80% of Pieta House’s income depending on public donations, funds raised during Darkness Into Light are essential for Pieta House to continue to provide a free service for the increasing numbers seeking help.

You can checkout Darkness Into Light’s site here.
You can checkout Limerick’s Darkness into Light on Facebook here.
You can read about last years Darkness Into Light here.

Richard is a presenter, producer, songwriter and actor. He was named the Limerick Person of the Year (2011) and won an online award at the Metro Éireann Media and Multicultural Awards (2011) for promoting multi-culturalism online. Richard says that the ilovelimerick.com concept is very much a community driven project that aims to document life in Limerick. So, that in 20 years time people can look back and remember the events that were making the headlines.