At 4.15am this morning, thousands gathered at Naas RaceCourse and throughout the rest of the country, in a bid to raise vital funds for Pieta House.
Dogs, babies, children, men and women, all joined in a show of unity for those suffering with mental health issues and their families. Some walked, some ran, but all showed unity, in the 5k journey, from dusk to dawn.
Naas woman, Lorraine Higgins, pushed her daughter Reana's wheelchair. Suncroft man, Kieran Lawlor, joined Mary Lawlor and Paddy Hughes, in the walk this morning. Their dogs also joined them.
For four years, Deirdre Harris and Jack Harris have been participating in Darkness into Light Naas. This year, and last, their dog Scout joined them.
I carried out this walk with Concha De Vieites and Catriona Kenny. The atmosphere on the walk from Naas RaceCourse this morning and through the town where coffee shops opened to serve breakfast to the runners and walkers, has been inspirational.
The vision at Pieta House is to create a world where suicide, self-harm and stigma have been replaced by hope, self-care and acceptance.
For Pieta House, Darkness into Light is vital for fundraising, for raising awareness and for bringing people together, in a bid to get a suicide-free world.
The non -profit organisation said:"Thank you all for coming out this morning to support one another and your wider communities in the movement against suicide and self-harm.You are part of an army of over 150,000 participants across 150 venues around the world. Each one of you bring comfort and solidarity to those bereaved by suicide….and bring hope to everyone who is in crisis."
The organisation is appealing for people to
encourage friends to … communicate with one another … connect with one another … be generous and kind to one another … empathise with one another
You can phone the free Pieta House 24-hour suicide helpline on 1800 247 247. Or, alternatively, text HELP to 51444 (standard message rates apply)
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