Blog by Beth O'Sullivan, Marketing Manager, IQ-EQ
Darkness into Light is an annual walking event where you meet before dawn on a particular Saturday in May and walk for 5km to meet the sunrise.
From small beginnings, the movement has continued to grow, and around 200,000 people now take part in the event annually. Each year the walk provides an opportunity for people to connect with their local community and to show their support for those who have been impacted by suicide.
I took part for the first time 2 years ago and felt such a strong connection to the charity and movement ever since. Having both experienced my own battles and hearing from friends and family you realise how important it is to look after your mental health. The work that Pieta do is so important and I always try to fundraise for them each year.
My first darkness into light is pictured below. It’s a 4am start and you gather (pre-covid!) in the park where they have candles marking the start line – it’s a leisurely walk with people wearing bright yellow t-shirts, photos of loved ones who have passed and dogs with lights on their leads all walking together to create a line of light in the dark. It’s truly a magical moment when hundreds of people walk together and appreciate the sunrise lighting on a new day.
This year to keep the connection alive everyone was encouraged to greet the sunrise wherever you are in the world until we can recreate the atmosphere of the previous years. If you want to give to Pieta there is a link here.
