Tens of thousands take part in Darkness into Light event

Tens of thousands of people nationwide have taken part in the annual Darkness Into Light fundraiser this morning, Saturday, May 11.

The fundraiser is in aid of mental health charity Pieta House and took place in a number of locations across the country and even abroad with 14 other countries taking part in the initiative.

The initiative has been picked up with 51 new walks being held in Ireland this year.

The event kicked off at 4.15am and it is estimated over 100k people participated by walking, running, cycling and even swimming as the sun rose.

The biggest event was held in the Phoenix Park in Dublin, where around 10,000 people took part.

Last year’s events raised over €4 million and helped to fund 100,000 helpline calls and texts, 50,946 hours of therapy.

Darkness into Light was founded in 2009, with the first walk taking place in the Phoenix Park and has grown into a nationwide initiative since then to provide an opportunity for people to connect with their local community and to bring hope to people who have been impacted by suicide.