Some 200,000 people across Ireland and around the world have taken part in the annual 'Darkness into Light' walk.
The event is part of Pieta House's annual flagship fundraiser to remove the stigma around suicide and self-harm, and spread the power of hope.
The movement against suicide took place in 202 venues across 19 countries in five continents.
Imelda Connolly and Margaret Kennedy, mum and daughter from Clondalkin, Dublin at the Phoenix Park Darkness Into Light 2019 event | Image: Conor McCabe PhotographySupported by Electric Ireland, all funds raised will support Pieta to deliver counselling, therapy and bereavement services across its 15 centres in Ireland.
It also contributes to the Resilience Academy programme, which supports youth mental health in schools.
Michelle Callan, Jake Callan (6yrs), Mellissa Callan from Palmerstown, Dublin at the Phoenix Park Darkness Into Light 2019 event | Image: Conor McCabe PhotographySince opening its doors 13 years ago, Pieta supported 40,000 people who were at the point of suicidal crisis and/or engaging in self-harm.
Elaine Austin is CEO of Pieta: "Darkness Into Light unites us as people, from rural communities to major cities, across the globe, in a spirit of comfort and compassion to give and build hope.
Amanda Armstrong, Louise Connors, Nadine Connors and Rachel Connors - sisters from Clondalkin, Co Dublin - at the Phoenix Park Darkness Into Light 2019 event | Image: Conor McCabe Photography"It connects us all, creating the energy for change, in which suicidal thoughts, self-harm and stigma can be replaced by hope, self-care and acceptance.
"It is vital for the delivery of our services and for raising awareness."
"I want to thank our volunteers, our supporters, our partner Electric Ireland and all the participants for their involvement in this year's event. However, the journey continues beyond the finish line of the walk. It is vital that we continue to build hope."
Darren Gleeson and Karoline Wymyslo from Dunshaughlan, Co Meath with baby Maia (16 months) at the Phoenix Park Darkness Into Light 2019 event | Image: Conor McCabe PhotographyCommenting on its partnership between Electric Ireland and Pieta, Marguerite Sayers - executive director of ESB - added: "Electric Ireland has proudly supported Darkness Into Light since 2013, helping Pieta to grow the event from 20 venues to a global movement across 202 locations.
"Darkness Into Light is a true demonstration of the power of hope as people come together to offer support and solidarity to those who have been impacted by suicide; and today's event was as moving and powerful as ever."
Huge turnout in #Limerick this morning #DIL2019 #DarknessIntoLight @PietaHouse #mentalhealth @DILLimerick pic.twitter.com/usoObadB1K
— Deric (@deric_tv) May 11, 2019
*Don't forget* we have a free shuttle service taking you back from the Phoenix Park until 07.00. #DIL2019 #DarknessIntoLight #ThePowerOfHope pic.twitter.com/QZBQFPpaBb
— dublinbusnews (@dublinbusnews) May 11, 2019
Another amazing Darkness into Light in #Drogheda. (And couldn’t resist the beach afterwards)! It really is darkest before the dawn...😊 #DIL2019 #darknessintolight #PietaHouse @PietaHouse #hope pic.twitter.com/q8E4IDexXw
— Alison Comyn (@alisoncomyn) May 11, 2019
Congrats to all walking this morning in #DarknessintoLight2019. @AmericanChamber members across the country were delighted to walk, talk and raise much needed awareness in the global fight against suicide and self-harm. #DIL2019 pic.twitter.com/DbyffqIGGt
— American Chamber (@AmericanChamber) May 11, 2019
All set for #DarknessIntoLight in the morning. I’ll be joining the crew at #NaasRacecourse at 4am before #NewstalkBreakfast to hear why they’re taking part. Join us on air from 8am to hear their stories. IF I’m still awake 🙋♀️ #PietaHouse #DIL2019 #PowerOfHope pic.twitter.com/aFImkm5rmI
— Susan Keogh (@susankeoghnews) May 10, 2019
Anyone affected by issues raised in this article can contact Pieta House on 1800-247-247
Main image: Robert Doherty from Fawn, Donegal with his daughter Isabella (6yrs) at the Phoenix Park Darkness Into Light 2019 event | Image: Conor McCabe Photography
