by Louise Doyle
THE need for the work of Pieta has “never been greater”, the executive campaigner of Pieta North West in Letterkenny has said.
Emma Murphy was speaking as communities across Donegal are preparing to share the sunrise on Saturday morning in support of Darkness into Light, the charity’s annual flagship fundraiser.
A host of events are taking place around the county, where people will gather at 4.15am for a 5k walk or run to meet the sunrise.
In all 15 locations in the county, including the two new venues of Burtonport and Greencastle, will host events.
Now in its 16th year, the proceeds from all Darkness into Light events go to Pieta House and the events also help awareness of the importance of mental health services needed to support those in crisis.
Speaking to the Donegal News, Ms Murphy said indications are that the number of people who have registered to take part in Donegal this year have risen.
“I think we are seeing our numbers of those registering to take part are up on this time last year. There will be a surge in people registering over these next few days, as is always the way in Donegal.
“We’ve also added two new venues in Donegal this year, Burtonport and Greencastle and we are anticipating that these walks will do well.”
Asked why she believed support for Pieta in Donegal has stayed so strong since the inception of the fundraiser, Ms Murphy said it is because of its lifesaving work.
“I think people understand the work Pieta does and there has never been a greater need for it than now.
“People who take part in the walk do so for so many reasons. Firstly, they may have been bereaved through suicide, or perhaps they are going through a tough time themselves. Maybe they just want to stand shoulder to shoulder in solidarity with their community. It really is the community who owns the walk.
“The walk itself is really magical with everyone walking collectively towards sunrise. There is so much hope and light with it.”
The locations Darkness into Light will take place in Donegal are: Letterkenny, Ballybofey/Stranorlar, Narin/Portnoo, Carrigart, Tory Island, Donegal Town, Carndonagh, Gaoth Dobhair, Bundoran, Buncrana, Rathmullan, Arranmore Island, Greencastle, Carrick and Burtonport.
All of Pieta’s services are free of charge and staff are fully qualified, providing a professional one-to-one therapeutic service.
Free 24/7 Crisis helpline can be contacted on 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444.
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