Charity says sign-up for Darkness Into Light is down by 40%

With less than two weeks to go, Pieta in partnership with Electric Ireland are urging the public to show their support for Darkness Into Light, taking place on Saturday, May 10.

Registrations are currently down nearly 40% compared to this time last year, yet one thing hasn’t changed – the need for services to stop suicide.

This year’s message is clear: Now more than ever we need more people walking, more people hearing about Pieta and more people getting support when they need it most.

In partnership with Electric Ireland, Pieta launched the 16th annual Darkness Into Light sunrise walk in March, highlighting Pieta’s lifesaving, free services for those impacted by suicide and self-harm throughout Ireland.

In 2024 alone, Pieta delivered 12,890 hours of therapy and assisted 1,777 people in Leinster, highlighting the ongoing need for public support.

While over 100,000 participants are expected to take part globally, this year, registration numbers have dropped sharply.

“Each year, around 500 lives are lost to suicide in Ireland-and that’s just the tip of the iceberg,” said Stephanie Manahan, Chief Executive of Pieta.

“Behind every number is a grieving family, friends, a community in pain. Darkness Into Light is more than a fundraiser; it is a movement that saves lives.

“You know the power of taking that first step and signing up to walk with your community. We need you again. Sign up. Show up. Save lives.”

Since its inception in 2009, Darkness Into Light has grown from 400 walkers in Dublin’s Phoenix Park to a global event spanning 14 countries.

Participants walk from darkness into dawn, symbolising hope, and the journey from despair to healing.

Pieta is appealing to the public, especially those who have walked in the past, to sign up and walk again in 2025.

Every registration helps fund professional therapy, crisis support, and suicide bereavement services offered free of charge to those in need.

How to participate:

Visit darknessintolight.ie

Choose your local walk location

Register and set a fundraising goal

The adult registration fee of €22 and teen fee of €5 helps ensure Pieta’s crisis helpline and therapy services can continue operating 365 days a year.