Despite the presence of wholly inclement weather conditions on Saturday morning last, participant support for the annual Pieta House ‘Darkness Into Light’ fundraising initiative was very much to the fore within Athlone and its immediate environs.
This year, participants individually walked, ran, swam, hiked and biked as a unified presence in honour of the occasion was not permitted due to Covid-19 restrictions.
One year on from when the country went into lockdown, Pieta’s services are in demand more than ever and they need the public’s support.
Pieta’s counselling services have remained available throughout the public health restrictions with phone, video and face-to-face appointments.
In 2020, Pieta helped 142 Westmeath people in 2020 and provided 2,739 hours of counselling across the county in 2019 and 2020.
Speaking to the Athlone Advertiser this week, Gerard Tiernan, Fundraising and Advocacy Executive, Pieta Athlone, acknowledged the vast support shown by the local community who rose at dawn to participate in the ‘Darkness Into Light’ fundraising initiative.
“I wish to express my deep gratitude to all those who supported ‘Darkness into Light’ 2021. We are overwhelmed with the level of kindness and generosity for Pieta.
“This year has surpassed all our expectations and despite the bad weather to see a vast number of participants still out walking, running and even in the lake was incredible.
“Together we were all sharing the message of ‘hope’ which is so important and to let people know that you are not alone” Gerard asserted.
