The inaugural Darkness into Light event in Carrigaline exceeded all expectation with 2,500 people participating in Carrigaline on the 7th of May in aid of Pieta house. The participants were joined by Munster and Irish rugby star Peter O Mahony.
The organizing Committee chaired by Colman Garvey was delighted with the turnout and was overwhelmed by the support of the community not only in the participants but the huge team of volunteers that worked tirelessly up to the 7th of May to ensure the event was a huge success.
In particular Colman paid tribute to the support of David Collins of Barry Collins Supervalu who was instrumental to the success of the day but also in the weeks leading up to the event. To feed and drink 2,500 people at 5.30 in the morning was a tribute to the Supervalu team in Carrigaline and without their support the event would not have been such as successful as it was.
The atmosphere on the day was added to with the music supplied by Dj Steven Healy and the beautiful 5k walk was lined with beautiful lights and lanterns adding to the special occasion. Padraig Barrett ensured the route was well laid out with a team of marshals ensuring that everything ran smoothly on the day.
Finally Colman Garvey said “all the money raised on the day went to Pieta House who without local support could not support people particularly young people in suicidal distress and who could self harm. I am delighted to announce that we will be running this walk again next year and would like to thank all the volunteers , participants and sponsors who made this all possible for such a worthy cause “.
Darkness into Light is the flagship fundraising and awareness event for Pieta House, and without local support, they could not have helped so many people in suicidal distress and engaging in self-harm over the last nine years. Pieta House has nearly 180 staff and they have welcomed in excess of 22,000 people struggling in the shadows in their nine centres up and down the country since they first opened their doors a decade ago.