Will you be making your way from Darkness Into Light this weekend?

Hundreds of people across the county will rise at the early hours of the morning to take part in the annual Darkness Into Light event to support those impacted by suicide and self-harm.

Darkness Into Light will take place on Saturday 11th May at 4.15am across many locations in Meath such as Duleek, Enfield, Ratoath, Laytown/ Bettystown, Moynalty, Navan and Trim.

The Pieta organised event is supported by Electric Ireland and all funds go towards supporting those impacted by suicide and self-harm and all the services that Pieta offers.

Navan Rugby FC, Fairyhouse Racecourse and Trim GAA club are only some of the local areas around Meath where you can get involved or you can Take Part in Your Own Way at any time.

Pieta is 85 per cent funded by fundraising events such as Darkness Into Light with over €4m raised last year and over 150,000 participants every year.

Pieta provides services such as a 24-hour crisis helpline that receives over 100,000 calls and texts every year, one-to-one professional counselling in-person, online or over the phone, bereavement counselling, specialised counselling for self-harm and awareness campaigns.

Suicide continues to be a major problem in Ireland with 449 people who died by suicide in 2021 with 80 per cent of that figure being males and 20 per cent being females.

Participants from last year’s Darkness Into Light were asked what the event means to them. "I love how it brings everyone together. It made me feel like I'm not alone and there is always hope," said one walker. Another said: "It is so important for families, for the youth, and for reducing the stigma around seeking help. All of these are equally important for raising money for Pieta."

You can sign up now at www.darknessintolight.ie

* Make sure to send on your pictures and videos from Darkness Into Light to news@meathchronicle.ie