Darkness Into Light, the annual fundraising event organised by Pieta, who provide life-saving support services for those in suicidal distress and who have been bereaved through suicide, took place as the sun rose on Saturday May 7th, 2022. Darkness Into Light is a global movement dedicated to raising vital funds for Pieta’s life-saving services. Hosted in St James Stephens Military Barracks, the walk was a huge success, Loreto Choir, Kilkenny Gospel choir and Lady Desart choir provided the dawn chorus for participants. Sub Aqua were represented in a search and rescue boat on the River Nore. The fire department lit up the route on the Canal Walk. The Drum youth group decorated the venue with some inspirational art pieces and the whole of Kilkenny community came together to deliver the important message that we all need to hear – you are not alone. The civil defence and Order of Malta’s presence made us feel safe as participants ran or walked the five km route through the city of Kilkenny, beginning in darkness and ending with the morning Light.
Because of the walks that took place here in Kilkenny city and in Inistioge, the Darkness into Light walk raised almost €80,000. Due to the kindness of supporters, Pieta house were able to provide 48,000 hours of intervention and bereavement counselling and to answer over 90,000 calls and texts to our 24/7 Helplines in 2021. They also supported over 600 people and families devastated by the loss of a loved one to suicide.
As stated by Local Chairperson Aurellia Glynn “ As a united people on this walk, who are joined by venues worldwide and all across Ireland we put our arms around all of those that have lost a loved one to suicide, we want to give them a time to remember, a time to heal, a time to hope. We want to help all of those who are struggling, encouraging them not to lose heart, to hold on and to find a way out of the dark. We are shining a light on the shadow of stigma – we are making it easier for all of us to speak up, to talk about how we are feeling, to ask for help.”
To avail of Pieta services, visit www.pieta.ie or call 0818 111 126. Pieta provides 24/7 support via the Freephone crisis helpline on 1800 247 247, or text HELP to 51444.
