Over 200,000 take part in Darkness Into Light 2018

You are viewing content from Q Mid Antrim 107. Would you like to make this your preferred location?



One million kilometres walked in the march against suicide

 

 

On Saturday May 12th,  Pieta House and sponsorship partner Electric Ireland marked the tenth anniversary of Darkness Into Light, a global movement and fundraising event with over 200,000 participants across fifteen countries.

 

Thousands of people across nine venues in Northern Ireland woke up and walked from Darkness Into Light to de-stigmatise suicide and raise funds for suicide prevention, suicide bereavement and self-harm in Northern Ireland.

From humble beginnings in 2009 with 400 walkers in Dublin's Phoenix Park, Darkness Into Light has grown from strength to strength.  This year the first walk took place in New Zealand as teams were setting up for the 180 locations across the island of Ireland. From there it moved to Australia, on to the US, the United Emirates, across Europe with Belgium, Spain and Germany, before finally crossing the Atlantic after Ireland and the UK, with the last event being on the west coast in Vancouver, Canada.

 


Local people attend the Darkness Into Light event in Derry/Londonderry 

 

Clare McAllister, Sales and Marketing Manager, Electric Ireland, said, "We have been incredibly proud to support Darkness Into Light since 2013. We are thrilled with the swelling number of people participating every year, making this event a powerful international movement in the fight against suicide; together we can offer hope, community and solidarity to people impacted by suicide and self-harm.’’ 

 

Q Radio has been involved in the Darkness Into Light event for the past two years as one of the media partners. On Saturday May 12th Q Radio presenters Stephen & Cate, Ryan A, and Eoghan Quigg attended various venues across Northern Ireland and walked from Darkness Into Ireland to spread a message of kindness and help create a brighter future for everyone. 

 


Pictured: Derry Girls actress Jamie-Lee O'Donnell with Q Radio presenter Eoghan Quigg

 

Brian Higgins, the CEO of Pieta House, said, "I can't thank the volunteers, supporters, participants and our sponsors Electric Ireland enough. Each year, I'm blown away by the support and compassion shown around the world on this very special day. We must not get complacent however, and I urge our walkers and the public to remember that the finish line is only the beginning of our journey. We need to replace suicidal thoughts and self-harm with hope and understanding and practice hope and empathy every day."

 

Pictured: Q Radio Breakfast presenters Stephen Clements and Cate Conway at the Darkness Into Light walk in Hannahstown
Pictured: Q Radio Breakfast presenters Stephen Clements and Cate Conway at the Darkness Into Light walk in Hannahstown


Electric Ireland has sponsored Darkness into Light for the past six years. To celebrate all those who make the event a success, from participants to volunteers and fundraisers; an inspiring video has been produced which includes impactful scenes from the event to serve as a reminder that the finish line is just the beginning in the fight against suicide.

Watch Electric Ireland's 'Thank You' video here:

 


 A stunning sunrise fell on the morning of Saturday May 12th


Join the Thank Q Club

Sign up for the Thank Q Club and receive exclusive offers, fun competitions and amazing prizes - it's quick and easy to do!

Sign Up Log In

Listen on the go

Download the Q Radio app to keep listening, wherever you are! It's available on Apple and Android devices.

Download from the App Store Download from Google Play