REGISTRATIONS in Donegal for this year’s Darkness into Light are up compared with the last time the event was held in 2019.
Pieta’s flagship fundraiser will make a return on Saturday, May 7, following a two-year hiatus due to Covid-19 restrictions. Last year with restrictions still in place, participants instead completed a 5km run or walk in their own time adhering to public health guidelines.
Pieta provides life-saving support services for those in suicidal distress and for those who have been bereaved through suicide.
Thirteen walks will take place around the county, including in Letterkenny, Ballybofey/Stranorlar, Tory Island, Rathmullan and Gaoth Dobhair. The walks will begin in darkness at sunrise and continue through to dawn to symbolise the journey from despair to hope. Walks will also take place globally.
Speaking to the Donegal News, Tom McEvoy, Fundraising and Advocacy manager, North West, said there is an “appetite” for people wanting to take part in the fundraiser this year following its absence.
“The last time Darkness into Light was held was in 2019. Registrations for this year’s event in Donegal are up from those in 2019. There is a real appetite for it, people want to get back out there and take part in the fundraising walk.
“We are so pleased to have Darkness into Light walks back this year, bringing communities together in the spirit of solidarity, comfort and compassion. The need for public support is greater than ever.”
Mr McEvoy revealed that in the years between 2019 to 2021, Pieta North West saw 750 face to face clients, as well as provided supports via the telephone and through video calls. Nationally, last year, the Pieta Helpline received almost 100,000 calls and texts and close to 2,000 crisis calls and texts each week.
He said it is young people in Donegal who continue to struggle the most in the wake of the pandemic for a number of reasons. Mr McEvoy said the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic is still being keenly felt among those aged 18 years and under.
“Those aged 18 years and under are continuing to experience anxiety. We have seen a partial rise in that cohort – 43 per cent on the previous year. This tells us that a lot of young people are under more pressure because of the pandemic and with finding a new way of living post-pandemic. Their network of friend groups may have also been diminished.”
Pieta North West in Letterkenny has eight therapists who offer face to face counselling as well as supports via video and on the telephone.
Darkness into Light is a global movement dedicated to raising funds for Pieta’s life-saving services.
People in Donegal hoping to take part are asked to register before the end of the month to ensure they receive a T-shirt.
To avail of Pieta services, visit www.pieta.ie or call 0818111126. Pieta provides 24/7 support via the Freephone crisis helpline on 1800 247 247 or text help to 51444.
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