On May 11th, across 5 continents, in 19 countries more than 200,000 people will gather to take part in the annual Darkness Into Light walk. The event, organised by Pieta House, raises awareness around suicide, self-harm and mental health.
As the charity’s flagship fundraising and awareness event, Darkness Into Light has grown from humble beginnings – a mere 400 participants in Dublin’s Phoenix Park in 2009 – into a global movement dedicated to the fight against suicide, proudly supported by Electric Ireland. The 2019 walk, which celebrates its 11th year, will see participants setting out shortly after dawn at 4.15am to catch the first rays of light along a 5km route.
The walk kicks off in New Zealand, with events being staged in Wellington and Christchurch before moving to Australia, then across the Middle East and into Europe, to Belgium, Germany, Spain, the UK, Ireland and finally to the US and Canada.
Darkness Into Light raises more than €6 million for prevention, intervention and bereavement services. Each participant pays a registration fee of €25, with discounts given to under 18s, students and seniors.
Symbolism
The walk is deeply symbolic, representing the therapeutic counselling journey Pieta House provides to those suffering from suicidal ideation or engaging in self-harm. It also aims to spark conversation about the importance of mental health and wellbeing in all of our lives.
Graham McCormack experienced some challenging times from boyhood and into adulthood. At the lowest point in his life he sought the help of Pieta House.
"I first walked with Darkness Into Light four years ago. It was around the time of my last crisis and I had agreed to walk with my father. I didn’t know what to expect. To see so many people walking side by side with those who are in the darkness was so powerful for me. For the first time in a long time, I didn’t feel alone in my pain. When I crossed the finish line, I knew at that moment things were going to change for me. I’ve done the walk every year since. Last year, holding my daughter's hand when crossing the finish line, was a moment I’ll never forget. Each year I complete the walk, a feeling of peace comes over me as I know I've played my part in letting others know that there is hope on the other side. I also love the conversations along the way, it’s walking therapy. If there was ever a place to speak your heart and share your story, it’s on the Darkness Into Light walk."
Begin Again
Another user of the service, Cliona O’Hanlon, wants to reach out to as many people as possible to spread the hope she believes Darkness Into Light represents. She describes her personal journey and her struggles with mental health:
"My first participation in Darkness Into Light came just after I had spent some time in the care of the Pieta House Cork Team. It was the first time I publicly shared my story across my social media platforms and told the world 'it’s ok not to be ok'. In walking I realised that we are all are connected and united by our stories and struggles and I felt an obligation to others who may be in the same position as me and to let them know that there’s a solution. Darkness Into Light also symbolises remembrance of people who felt the only choice they had was to leave this life. The walk represents my choice to stay, the choice to begin again."
Tackling Suicide in Ireland
Since it opened its doors in 2006, Pieta House has supported more than 40,000 people with face-to-face counselling across the organisation’s 15 centres nationwide. In 2018, Pieta House handled 15,000 calls to their helpline from people in crisis. Worldwide, close to 800,000 people die from suicide annually: one person every 40 seconds. Speaking on this movement of hope, Marie Peelo, Project Lead on Darkness Into Light says:
"From rural communities to major cities, suicide in Ireland is an epidemic. In 2017, more than one person a day died by suicide. The only way we can tackle this crisis is together; in our communities, our places of work, our sports clubs and schools. Darkness Into Light helps us raise the vital funds to continue to provide free counselling services to those who need them, where and when they need them. It’s also a moment every year where the community comes together to show solidarity to those who are feeling vulnerable and to give comfort to people bereaved by suicide. We invite everyone to walk with us and experience the power of hope."
*Some 392 people took their own lives in 2017. Source National Office for Suicide Prevention.
Pieta House operates a free 24-hour suicide helpline on 1800 247 247