There was an incredible turnout at 20 locations, one being Westport, for Pieta House’s fifth annual Darkness into Light walk with Electric Ireland.
An estimated 35,000 people turned out for dawn walks across the country last Saturday in an incredible show of support for suicide prevention. With twice as many participants as last year, the feeling was one of hope and new beginnings as supporters walked and ran the 5km route in solidarity with those who had lost loved ones to suicide.
This year’s Darkness into Light event follows the release of new 2012 figures from Pieta House which show a 42 per cent increase in the number of people seeking their help for suicidal ideation and self-harming behaviour. The charity was contacted by 2,736 clients in 2012, up from 1,923 in 2011.
With six suicide crisis centres throughout the country and three more due to open later this year, Pieta House’s annual running costs now stand at €2.5 million and more funds are constantly required. With more than 80 per cent of the organisation’s income coming from public donations, the success of fundraisers like Darkness into Light is essential to ensure that its professional counselling service can continue to be available free of charge to those in crisis.
For more information about the services Pieta House offers log on to www.pieta.ie
