LIMERICK people will be clocking up their steps and lacing up their tackies to show their support for Darkness Into Light as the sun rises this Saturday morning (10 May).
Over 200 official walks across 12 countries get underway from 4.15am on Saturday morning as part of the annual event organised by Pieta steps off.
Limerick is hosting four local walks in Kilmallock, Newcastle West, Pallasgreen, and Limerick City.
Pieta currently has a centre in Mungret, where it provides a professional one-to-one therapeutic services to people either in suicidal distress, engaging in self harm, or those bereaved by suicide.
Darkness Into Light Limerick committee member Aisling Cullen, a secondary school teacher who first started volunteering for the walk last year, describing it as a “moving and emotional” experience.
“We have a committee team of eight people for the Limerick City walk. I have personally not been affected by suicide and self harm, but have friends and family members who have. The impact it has on families is devastating”, Aisling said.
“I always encourage my students to be open about their mental health and let them know that I am there to support and guide them,” she added.
Every 2km walked funds a helpline call, and every 5km funds a crisis counselling.
Since Darkness Into Light began in 2009, over €36million has been raised to support the cause.
Last year, 291 therapy clients were supported in Limerick and over 2,200 therapy hours were delivered for individuals in suicidal crisis, self harming, or bereaved by suicide.
