Pieta House event to light up Malahide

ALMOST 6,500 people have already registered for Dublin’s two Darkness into Light events at the Phoenix Park and Malahide Castle which takes place on the morning of Saturday, May 10.

Supported by Electric Ireland, Darkness into Light is an early morning fundraising event which begins in darkness at 4.15am as thousands of people walk or run a 5km route while dawn is breaking.

The events are being held to raise funds for Pieta House, a suicide and self-harm crisis centre.

The Phoenix Park event is the longest-running Darkness into Light walk/run in the country, having first taken place back in 2009.

It sets off this year from Chesterfield Avenue in the centre of the park.

There will be 600 free car parking spaces at Heuston Station and Heuston South Quarter, thanks to Iarnród �ireann and Supervalu, and Dublin Bus will provide a free shuttle service from Heuston Station to the starting point.

Due to incredible demand, a North Dublin venue was organised for the first time last year in Newbridge Demesne, Donabate, with close to 3,000 people attending. It was a figure way beyond the organisers’ expectations.

It was such a huge success that this year’s North Dublin walk will take place in the grounds of Malahide Castle.

Joan Freeman, founder and chief executive of Pieta House, said:

“We’re thrilled with the registration figures so far and we’re expecting an even bigger bump in numbers as we enter our final week.

“Registration figures nationally are more than three times higher than they were at this point last year which is a great testament to the commitment of the Irish public in tackling suicide in this country.

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This year’s Darkness into Light is set to be the biggest one yet. Taking place in an incredible 39 locations including international walks in London and Sydney, Pieta House is expecting a turnout of up to 80,000 people overall.

In support of Pieta House’s Mind Our Men campaign which aims to reduce male suicide, participants are asked to bring a male friend or family member with them on the walk.

Pieta House is also urging participants to register in advance online or at one of the various pre-registration events which are being held across the county as both Dublin venues are expected to reach capacity on the morning.

Online registration is available at www.darknessintolight.ie