Darkness into Light to take place in four locations in Louth this year

Darkness Into Light, the annual fundraising event organised by Pieta & supported by Electric Ireland, is taking place on Saturday 6 May, 2023 in four locations around Louth.

More than 100,000 people will come together across 200 locations 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 in Louth by the local committees, and proudly supported by Electric Ireland, organisers are welcoming everyone to join the event and raise vital funds for Pieta’s lifesaving services.

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 Leinster in 2022 alone, Pieta delivered over 30,000 hours of free, one-to-one therapy, and helped over 4,100 clients. Almost 40% of clients in Leinster presenting to Pieta in 2022 were under 18 years old. 

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

Speaking at the launch, Caroline Territt, Community Fundraising Executive said, “Darkness Into Light is one of those events that really resonates with the whole of the country. There isn’t a person on the island of Ireland that hasn’t been touched by suicide in some way. 

"Walking into the sunrise, really is a symbol of hope and doing it with your own community makes it extra special. It’s an absolute honour to be part of this special event and I would urge everyone to sign up and donate.”

Stephanie Manahan, CEO, Pieta commented, “Over 80% 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 2,000 calls and texts each week. Everyone is invited to sign up at www.darknessintolight.ie to make a valuable contribution.

"Electric Ireland have worked in partnership with us for the last ten years to build Darkness into Light and we are delighted that they have agreed to continue their sponsorship for another three years up until 2025.’’

Pat Fenlon, Executive Director of Electric Ireland commented, “Electric Ireland has sponsored Darkness into Light since 2013.  Each year we work with Pieta to create marketing and fundraising campaigns to promote awareness of this unique event and encourage as many people as possible to participate and donate much needed funds. 

"I am delighted to announce that we have renewed our sponsorship for another three years up to and including 2025. Darkness into Light is very important to our staff, customers and the communities in which we operate.

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. Sign up and take part at darknessintolight.ie