Several thousand people will take part in ‘Share a Walk for Darkness Into Light’ in the early hours of this Saturday morning. There are walks listed for both Cappamore and Kilmallock, each listed to start at 4.15am.
For the first time, there will be no walk in Newcastle West. A local spokesperson said: “We know how meaningful this walk is for so many people in our community – a time to come together, remember loved ones, support one another, and move from darkness into light.
“We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to the former organising committee for the time, dedication and care they gave in bringing this event to our community over the years. Their commitment made a real difference to so many people.
“We sincerely apologise to everyone who was hoping to take part this year.”
Across Munster, over 25,000 people are registered for walks, monies from which support free suicide and self-harm prevention services offered by Pieta. Stephanie Manahan, CEO of Pieta, highlighted the ongoing importance of the event: “This event matters enormously to Pieta because it does two very powerful things. It brings people together in hope and solidarity, and it raises the funds that help keep our suicide and self-harm prevention services free and available to those who need them,” she stated.
“Every person who registers for Darkness Into Light is helping to make real support possible, from crisis calls being answered to therapy being provided. With more people reaching out to us every year, that support has never been more important.
“We know many people take part each year in remembrance and solidarity, and we are deeply grateful for that continued support, but it’s their registration and fundraising that transform support into the funding that sustains the services people rely on. We are encouraging people across Ireland to come together again on Saturday, 9th May, and register now for their nearest walk at darknessintolight.ie.”
Pieta is contactable at its 24-hour Crisis Helpline or Text HELP to 51444.