Darkness into Light events taking place across Cork city and county on Saturday 

As dawn breaks over Cork next Saturday morning, people across Cork will be taking part in the annual Darkness into Light fundraiser at various locations across the city and county. 

The annual event, which will get underway at 4.15am raises vital funds for Pieta, the charity that offers free and confidential advice to people in suicidal distress or self harm, and those bereaved by suicide. 

The first Darkness into Light was held in 2009 in Dublin's Pheonix Park, with 400 people taking part in the 5km walk. 

The initiative has grown significantly over the intervening years, with more than 150,000 participants taking part each year. 

Pieta is 85% funded by fundraising events such as Darkness into Light. 

Services

Since its establishment, Darkness into Light has helped Pieta raise over €36 million, allowing the charity to continue offering its lifesaving services. 

Last year alone, the money raised through Darkness into Light helped fund 100,000 helpline calls and texts, 51,489 counselling hours and 6,919 unique therapy journeys. 

Speaking to  The Echo, former lord mayor Mick Finn said that in addition to being a great event to take part in, Darkness into Light is also a very important fundraiser for Pieta "so they can keep counselling services free for those that need them."

“The more funding Pieta gets, the better it can increase its service provision across Cork and across Ireland," said Mr Finn.

Cork city Labour party councillor John Maher, one of the organisers of the Cork northside Darkness into Light walk, encouraged people to sign up for the initiative. 

"This is a really important fundraiser for Pieta. It creates awareness around suicide and supports those affected by it.

“Pieta does incredible work throughout Cork.  A positive thing we can do is support Pieta and Darkness into Light in whatever way we can.

“We are here to support, create awareness and give a bit of hope."

In Cork this year, there are Darkness into Light events and walks taking place in Ballincollig, Ballyvourney, Bandon, Bantry, Blarney, Castletownbere, Clonakilty, Cobh, Cork Northside, Crosshaven, Drinagh, Dunmanway, Farran, Fermoy, Glanmire, Inchigeelagh, Kanturk, Kinsale, Macroom , Mallow, Midleton, Millstreet, Mitchelstown, Schull, Skibbereen, St Mary’s GAA Club Ballineen/Enniskeane, UCC Cork, Watergrasshill and Youghal.

To register for a Darkness into Light walk and for more information visit https://www.darknessintolight.ie.

To find out more about the services which are provided by Pieta visit https://www.darknessintolight.ie/about/about-pieta-other-services.