Parks to host Darkness Into Light events

PARKS around the county will play host to Darkness into Light events coinciding with the sunrise this Saturday, May 11, to raise funds for mental health charity Pieta House.

The annual event kicks off at 4.15am in a number of locations, including the Camac Valley camping section of Corkagh Park, and St Jude’s GAA Club leading into Tymon Park.

Darkness into Light events will also be held in St Catherine’s Park in Lucan and Marlay Park in Rathfarnham.

The walks will be led by well-known ambassadors, such as Olympic Silver Medalist and qualified psychotherapist and addiction counsellor Kenneth Egan who will be at the Corkagh Park walk.

Kenneth said at the launch of Corkagh Park’s Darkness into Light registration drive last month: “I am a huge supporter of Darkness into Light and I am proud to work with Pieta and Electric Ireland to support the campaign this year.

“Mental health is a hugely important topic for me, and your support will help Pieta ensure they can reach as many people as possible who have been affected by suicide and self-harm.

Former St Patrick’s Athletic and Shamrock Rovers player Eoin Doyle

“This year’s event will be the third walk held locally in Corkagh Park and will be the closest official walk for residents in Clondalkin, Rathcoole, Newcastle, and Saggart.”

Firhouse native and former professional footballer Eoin Doyle, whose career included playing as a forward for St Pat’s, Shamrock Rovers, Shelbourne, will be an ambassador at the Marlay Park event.

Eoin previously told The Echo: “The message of the event is very powerful, it’s a symbol of hope and solidarity in the fight against suicide and self-harm.

Darkness Into Light founder Johnny Fox who sadly passed away last month

“I’m looking forward to going out and experiencing it myself, and it gives me great hope to know that there are services out there for people who need help.

“Some of the statistics that were put to me about suicide and self-harm were staggering.

“Suicide is the leading cause of death for men in Ireland under 25.”

Preparations are also in full swing for Darkness into Light in Tymon Park, with the organising committee posting their fundraising target on their Facebook page last week.

“We raised just over €40,000 last year, we want to get to €50,000 this year,” they wrote.

“Help us to share the spirit of hope, even when times are difficult.”

This year’s Darkness into Light will be the first one since the event’s founder, Killinarden man Johnny Fox, passed away.

He founded the event in 2009 with his wife Gertie, after they lost their 24-year-old son, Fergal, to suicide the previous year and accessed Pieta House’s services.

The €26 euro fee paid by each Darkness into Light participant will enable Pieta House to answer two calls to their 24/7 helpline, which provides immediate support and guidance to people in crisis.

Last year, the charity received 100,000 calls and texts to its crisis helpline, provided nearly 52,000 hours of therapy and saw close to 7,000 clients across the country.

Over 85 per cent of the charity’s annual income comes from public fundraising, with Darkness into Light being a key highlight in their fundraising calendar.

To sign up for Darkness into Light visit www.darknessintolight.ie.

Pieta provides 24/7 support via the freephone crisis helpline on 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444 (standard message rates apply).