Early risers send out strong message
‘DARKNESS INTO LIGHT’ FUNDRAISING WALK IN AID OF PIETA HOUSE
UNLESS YOU are going to work or going home from a night out, greeting dawn on a Saturday morning in Mallow is not an experience most of us would be overly familiar with.
However, last Saturday morning saw people of all ages leave the warmth of their beds, don bright yellow t-shirts and take part in the ‘Darkness into Light' fundraising walk in aid of Pieta House.
The walk was one of almost 40 that took place at locations across the country as well as London and Sydney, to raise vital funds for Pieta House, the national centre for the prevention of self-harm and suicide.
This was then first time since the initiative was established in 2009 that a walk had taken place in Mallow, with organisers anticipating that up to 500 would take part.
However, that estimate was well surpassed with up to 2,000 people walking or running the 5km route from Mallow College to Annabella - raising more that €30,000 for Pieta House in the process.
Organising committee member Tricia O'Sullivan told The Corkman that many of those who took part had been touched in some way by suicide or selfharm.
“We had toddlers to people in their seventies taking part in the event. People really wanted to be involved and came out in their droves to lend their support,” said Tricia.
“What was really wonderful to see was the number of people who, for whatever reason, were unable to join us on Saturday but still donated to the charity. In addition, many people gave extra donations on top of the entrance fee,” she added.
The morning started with a poignant minute silence for those who had taken their lives, with the first chinks of light breaking through the early morning gloom a sign of hope to the many people whose lives have been irrevocably changed by suicide.
“It really is a moving occasion and you could see on the faces of so many people how much the event meant to them on a personal level,” said Tricia.
“Our thanks go to Mallow College and the many local groups who made this day possible. Every cent raised will go the amazing work done by Pieta House. Our thanks also go out to everyone who took part and donated to this wonderful cause,” she added.
It is estimated that more than 80,000 people took part in the 2014 Darkness Into Light initiative.
Joan Freeman, founder and CEO of Pieta House said the turnout showed the massive strides Irish society had taken toward addressing the issue of suicide.
“Suicide is no longer something we fearfully brush under the carpet. The thousands who gathered sent a strong message to our government. The people of Ireland are serious about tackling suicide and we need action now,” said Ms Freeman.