THE Darkness Into Light events today in Co Donegal have been hugely successful.
The event in Letterkenny even had its own warm-up man – Donegal Daily columnist and Rushe Fitness boss Emmet Rushe was up before dawn (well before dawn) to get everyone warmed up.
The event was held this year again to raise awareness and funds for Pieta House.
Thousands of people across Donegal took part – they were among an estimated 150,000 people who took part across Ireland this morning.
The Darkness Into Light 5k run/walk, which raises funds for suicide and self-harm charity Pieta House, got under way at 4.15am.
“To feel the energy and the support of 120,000 people at our back is overwhelming. This is the Irish at their very best and it gives us the courage and confidence to continue doing the work of Pieta House,” said founder Joan Freeman.
This year’s event was supported by Electric Ireland, with Donegal athlete Mark English promoting it nationwide.
Suicide helplines:
- Samaritans 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
- Console 1800 247 247 – (suicide prevention, self-harm, bereavement)
- Aware 1800 80 48 48 (depression, anxiety)
- Pieta House 01 601 0000 or email mary@pieta.ie – (suicide, self-harm)
- Teen-Line Ireland 1800 833 634 (for ages 13 to 19)
- Childline 1800 66 66 66 (for under 18s)
In Rathmullan (below) hundreds of people took part.
