by Alan Jacques
THE inaugural Pieta 100 National Cycle saw over 700 cyclists in Limerick pedalling to raise awareness for the issues of suicide and self-harm last weekend.
With other cycles being held in Galway, Cork and Dublin to raise much needed funds for Pieta House, the Limerick event began and ended at Mungret GAA club where participants had the option of undertaking a 50k or 100k route. Both routes brought them past the Pieta House Midwest centre, which has been delivering a service to the region since 2012.
Centre manager Martin O’Sullivan said their goal was to replace suicide, self-harm and stigma with hope, self-care and acceptance.
“Our commitment to offering a free service can only be achieved with the help and support of communities. We’re grateful to all the cyclists for taking part, to the supporters and organisers and the people of Limerick for their support and commitment to Pieta House,” he added.
With nine centres throughout Ireland, Pieta House provides a professional one-to-one therapeutic service for those experiencing suicidal ideation or engaging in self-harm. To date, Pieta House has supported more than 17,000 people, with at least 5,000 seeking help in 2014.
