On Saturday morning at 4.15am, over two thousand people gathered at the Knocknarea arena for the annual Darkness Into Light 5km walk/run in aid of Pieta house.
This was the fourth year the event has taken place in Sligo. Events around the country began simultaneously in the early hours of the morning, as communities walked collectively in the now famous yellow t-shirts.
Darkness Into Light isn’t just about suicide and awareness anymore, it is about hope and solidarity for those who are impacted by suicide and self harm. The event in Sligo last year alone raised €33,500 for Pieta House. Sligo Chairperson Lisa Carroll said:
“It is a sign of the wonderful community spirit here in Sligo. Many of us have been affected either directly or indirectly by suicide and now we are coming together to support one another.
“It is wonderful to see so many young people in attendance this year. Almost 200 pupils from the Ursuline and Mercy colleges took part. We would like extend our sincerest thanks to our numerous sponsors who help us enhance the event each year. We would also like to thank the Civil Defence and An Garda Siochana.”