Northern Ireland

Thousands across Ireland walk from Darkness Into Light

People from Derry at the Darkness Into Light event in the city along the banks of the River Foyle and across the iconic Peace Bridge. The event was organised by Pieta House and supported by Electric Ireland
People from Derry at the Darkness Into Light event in the city along the banks of the River Foyle and across the iconic Peace Bridge. The event was organised by Pieta House and supported by Electric Ireland People from Derry at the Darkness Into Light event in the city along the banks of the River Foyle and across the iconic Peace Bridge. The event was organised by Pieta House and supported by Electric Ireland

THOUSANDS of people across Ireland have taken part in Darkness Into Light to support the global fight against suicide and self-harm.

The series of fundraising walks in aid of Pieta House started at 4.15am.

It is a decade since the first Darkness Into Light walk saw 400 people gather in the Phoenix Park in Dublin.

This year it was estimated that in the region of 200,000 people took part in 19 countries on five continents.

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Events took place in villages, towns and cities including Portrush, Lisnaskea, Crossmaglen and Cookstown.

The Power of Hope: Portrush  at the Darkness Into Light event
The Power of Hope: Portrush at the Darkness Into Light event The Power of Hope: Portrush at the Darkness Into Light event

Charity partners to benefit include Foyle Search and Rescue in Derry, Coleraine Samaritans and Suicide Awareness and Support Group in Hannahstown.

Pieta House has 12 centres across Ireland and says it has helped 40,000 people since its doors opened 13 years ago.

Since Darkness Into Light began, the walk has helped raise more than £17 million.

The Power of Hope: Portrush  at the Darkness Into Light event. Thousands of people across 202 locations worldwide walked at this year's event, organised by Pieta House and supported by Electric Ireland
The Power of Hope: Portrush at the Darkness Into Light event. Thousands of people across 202 locations worldwide walked at this year's event, organised by Pieta House and supported by Electric Ireland The Power of Hope: Portrush at the Darkness Into Light event. Thousands of people across 202 locations worldwide walked at this year's event, organised by Pieta House and supported by Electric Ireland
Two people walking their dogs through Ormeau Park in Belfast during the Darkness Into Light event. The event was organised by Pieta House and supported by Electric Ireland
Two people walking their dogs through Ormeau Park in Belfast during the Darkness Into Light event. The event was organised by Pieta House and supported by Electric Ireland Two people walking their dogs through Ormeau Park in Belfast during the Darkness Into Light event. The event was organised by Pieta House and supported by Electric Ireland
A hope sign at Ormeau Park in Belfast, Northern Ireland, during the Darkness Into Light event
A hope sign at Ormeau Park in Belfast, Northern Ireland, during the Darkness Into Light event A hope sign at Ormeau Park in Belfast, Northern Ireland, during the Darkness Into Light event