TENS of thousands of people have taken part in events to mark Darkness into Light, which returned this year for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic.
The annual event organised by the charity Pieta House was first held in Ireland in 2009, when 400 people set off on a dawn walk in Dublin's Phoenix Park.
It has since expanded into a global campaign, with events around the world held to raise funds for Pieta House and to bring hope to those who have been impacted by suicide.
Carmel Cushen from Maynooth and Aleisha Kelly from Galway at Phoenix Park (Image: Leah Farrell/RollingNews)With the return of in-person events this year, thousands of people set off at sunrise on Saturday, May 7 in aid of the campaign.
Almost 120,000 people took part in events in Ireland and around the world this year, with almost €4,000,000 raised for charity.
Speaking from Saturday morning's Phoenix Park event, Stephanie Manahan, CEO of Pieta House, thanked all those who took part this year.
"I wanted to say a massive, heartfelt thank you to everybody up and down the island of Ireland and beyond that participated in Darkness into Light this morning," she said.
People taking part in the 5km event at Phoenix Park (Image: Leah Farrell/RollingNews)"I want to say thank you to our incredible sponsors, Electric Ireland — thank you very much for believing in Pieta, the work that we do and for supporting Darkness into Light for so many years.
"Thank you to the committee, the volunteers and the Pieta staff who made these events happen today.
"Here in the Phoenix Park it has been beyond inspirational to be a tiny part of this morning's Darkness into Light."
Millie Rickard, 7, from Cabra took part at Phoenix Park in memory of her dad, John Treacy (Image: Leah Farrell/RollingNews)Ms Manahan also thanked the charity's staff and therapists for helping deliver its vital services and urged those in need to reach out to the charity.
All funds raised through donations and fundraising will go back into funding the free-of-charge services that Pieta provides to those who need them most.
For international Darkness into Light events, 50 per cent of registration income and 100 per cent of fundraised income stays locally with the chosen partner charity.
Sadie McAlister, 8, from Kildare with a message of hope (Image: Leah Farrell/RollingNews)Pieta House offers a 24-hour free crisis helpline on 1800 247 247.
Those in crisis or seeking help for someone else in crisis can also text HELP to 51444 (standard rates apply).
For more information on Pieta House, visit pieta.ie.
Donations to this year's Darkness into Light fundraiser can be made online by clicking here.
Lorna Phipps, Ann Byrne, Ashling Phipps and Mary O'Reilly at Phoenix Park on Saturday (Image: Leah Farrell/RollingNews)See More: Darkness Into Light, Pieta House
