Longford walkers going the extra mile for Pieta Darkness Into Light

It started small in 2009. The Phoenix Park, Dublin saw around 400 people set off at dawn to take part in 'Darkness Into Light' a 5km walk to raise funds for Pieta.

The name of the event is a metaphor for hope, an encouragement that all darkness will ultimately be dispelled by the light.

This year Longford DIL walkers will join for the 11th iteration of the annual event. Darkness Into Light 2024 brings communities together for the most important sunrise of the year, beginning in darkness and continuing through to dawn, symbolising the journey from despair to hope.

The county has two 'official' walks, but the number of smaller events hosted by clubs and voluntary groups speaks of the devastation that suicide has caused to communities across Longford.

The two official DIL venues are The Mall, Longford and Ballymahon; however a quick glance shows there are walks in Newtownforbes, Legan, Dromard, Drumlish and Gowna, with other locations still planning events.

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Darkness Into Light 2024 will take place on Saturday, May 11, with the walk commencing at 4:15am. Over 100,000 participants are expected at more than 230 official walks across four continents.

Pieta was founded in Dublin in 2006 to provide free, accessible support to people affected by suicide and self-harm. It now has over 20 centres nationwide with over 300 staff and offers a variety of supports to people impacted by suicide and self-harm.

Since Darkness Into Light began supporters have helped raise almost €29 million.

Francesca Pawelczyk, co chairperson of the Longford DIL organising committee, said preparations are well advanced for Saturday's walk: “Darkness Into Light committees will spend the rest of this week gathering the items needed for their walk and co-ordinating with their local supporters who are providing their unique support for an event.”

Registering for an official Darkness Into Light event ensures Pieta can continue to provide lifesaving suicide and self-harm services, and support people bereaved by suicide.

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These services are free of charge and are available online, by phone, or in person. By registering for an official event, supporters can make a real and tangible difference, as the €26 sign-up fee for Darkness Into Light enables Pieta to answer two calls to their 24/7 helpline, providing immediate support and guidance to those in crisis.

Last year, in Leinster alone, the charity provided almost 30,000 hours of therapy and saw over 4,000 clients. The charity also supported almost 500 families and households bereaved by suicide across the province.

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Francesca commended all who support the event, particularly the walkers. She said community support was an essential part of DIL: “The Longford Town Darkness Into Light Committee would like to offer their sincere gratitude for the continued support of their local supporters, and to heartily welcome their new local supporters to the team.

“One new local supporter is the Employment Development and Information Centre whose Community Café team will be providing some yummy treats for participants to enjoy with their tea or coffee after the walk.”

Patrons are advised that roadworks on the Battery Road have resulted in a slight change to the walk route. When participants exit Fee Court, they will be directed to the footpath on the left side of Battery Road.

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Participants will then walk on the left side of the Battery Road until the roundabout at the Lisbrack Road junction. This crossing point may need to change to the roundabout at the Druid Glen roundabout. Participants will be advised of these changes during the announcements prior to the commencement of Darkness Into Light 2024.

Registration is available online at darknessintolight.ie.