Darkness Into Light, the annual fundraising event organised by Pieta and supported by Electric Ireland, is taking place on Saturday, May 6th, 2023.
The annual walk is expected to draw more than 100,000 people together across 200 locations for the most important sunrise of the year as it raises awareness of those who have been impacted by suicide.
Launched today by RTÉ 2FM broadcaster Jennifer Zamparelli and presenter Greg O’Shea, organisers are welcoming everyone in Ireland to join the event and raise vital funds for Pieta’s services.
Speaking at the launch DIL 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.'’
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 to 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, Pieta reports delivering over 50,000 hours of free, one-to-one therapy. 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.
Whether it’s taking part in 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 darknessintolight.ie. Join the conversation online with #DIL2023 #BrighterTogether
To avail of Pieta services, visit www.pieta.ie or call0818 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).
