Emma McMahon, Killian Horan, Hazel Kidney and Jenny Deegan at Darkness into Light on Bray seafront on Saturday morning.
THOUSANDS of walkers and joggers were rewarded with a beautiful sunrise on Saturday morning as they completed the 5km route for Bray’s Darkness into Light.
The word ‘ hope’ was formed on the bandstand in candlelight as everyone gathered in the darkest hours to raise funds and awareness for Pieta House. Some were there in memory of their own loved ones whom they had lost to suicide, and many others in solidarity.
Men, women and children were joined in many cases by their four-legged friends, some of whom proudly wore the yellow ‘Darkness into Light’ t-shirt.
Volunteers from across the community helped to marshal the event, hand out t-shirts, and support the participants in their early-morning endeavour. They met on the seafront before the sea of yellow moved off at 4.15 a.m..
The route brought them up Putland Road in the dark of night, before the circuit became easier and the sun came up over the Irish sea. Then it was time for breakfast, and for many a return to their beds after their early start.
Pieta House provides free counselling, therapy and support to individuals, couples, families and children who have been bereaved by suicide. It operates a number of Suicide Bereavement Counselling Centres. and offers a Suicide Bereavement Liaison Service. It’s suicide helpline is 1800 247 247.
The amount raised from this year’s eventhas yet to be announced, but last year’s Bray event raised a total of €103,000.