A large crowd gathered in the Ballina Manor Hotel, Mayo, as Pieta House launched Mayo’s Darkness Into Light 2016 (DIL 2016 ) series of events in association with Electric Ireland. Joan Freeman, founder of Pieta House, was joined by Kevin Molloy from Electric Ireland, former Rose of Tralee Maria Walsh, along with members of local organisations and volunteers from across the county to launch DIL which is now in its eighth year.
This year’s DIL event takes place on Saturday May 7 with Ballina, Shrule, Westport, and the newly added venues of Erris and Claremorris set to host the DIL event this year in the Mayo area. Darkness Into Light is a unique, early morning, experience which begins in darkness at 4.15am as thousands of people walk or run a 5km route while dawn is breaking. Last year’s event attracted more than 100,000 participants in some 80 locations across Ireland and abroad.
“Last year’s Darkness Into Light in Mayo was an incredible success and we’re delighted that they’re hosting the event again this year,” said Joan Freeman, founder of Pieta House. “We’re so grateful for your continued support. Your courage, vision and generosity has helped Pieta House to bring hope to over 5,000 people alone last year. Together we’re leading the way with Darkness Into Light now reaching communities from Westport to Abu Dhabi and many more across the world” she said.
Pieta House is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. More than 20,000 people have come through the nine centres across Ireland during the last decade. Online registration and further details are available on www.darknessintolight.ie
