by Alan Jacques
(Picture: Oisin McHugh)
NOW in its seventh year, it is estimated that 100,000 people around the globe will participate in suicide charity Pieta House’s Darkness into Light event on Saturday, May 9.
This unique, early morning experience, which last year saw 80,000 take to the streets across Ireland, London and Sydney to show their solidarity over 5kms, was launched in Limerick this week.
More than 80 people turned out at The Strand Hotel on Tuesday as Pieta House launched Limerick’s Darkness Into Light event with Electric Ireland. Joan Freeman, founder of the suicide and self-harm crisis centre, was joined by a number of supporters including Metropolitan Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Michael Sheahan, Limerick Rose, Dawn Ryan, Voice of Ireland 2015 contestant Leah Melling, senior hurler Kevin Downs and Irish rugby star Joy Neville.
“Although the number of people walking has never been greater, neither has the need,” Ms Freeman said.
“With three venues set to host the event in Limerick this year, including Kilmallock for the first time, it’s an example of how Darkness Into Light is uniting people across the globe in solidarity with those who suffer. While suicide is a devastating tragedy, we must not forget that there is hope, there is help, and Pieta House will be there to provide both,” she promised.
Pieta House will set up its first pilot service in New York this summer as part of its plans to expand its services to the Irish diaspora. The service will be run from a room within the Irish Immigrant Centre in Queens, one of the main Irish communities in New York.
Pieta House is also asking those taking part in Darkness into Light this year to connect with others at the event. Walkers/runners are encouraged to speak to the person beside them, tell a story or simply say hello, connect and acknowledge one another.
“Make your presence known. No one should walk alone,” said Joan.
Online registration and further details are available now at www.darknessintolight.ie. For more information on Darkness Into Light in Limerick contact Kieran O’Brien on 061- 484444.
