Hundreds of Nenagh people take part in Darkness Into Light fundraising walk for Pieta

The streets of Nenagh were alive again last Saturday morning in the yellow and orange of Darkness Into Light (DIL) as the community gathered to raise awareness of mental health issues and to raise funds for the vital services provided by Pieta House.

DIL is the primary fundraising source for Pieta House, which provides counselling services to those suffering from suicidal ideation, self harm, or those bereaved by suicide.

Speaking on behalf of the Nenagh DIL committee, the Chairperson, Ryan O’Meara said: “We would like to sincerely thank the community for the support we received again this year from our community.

“Our community is all too often impacted by suicide and self harm. It’s heartbreaking and no part of our community escapes untouched.”

Ryan said that the fundraising arm of DIL was vital so that Pieta House can continue to provide services. The annual walk was a chance for people who have lost loved ones to express their grief and walk into the dawn in memory of those who lost the battle with their mental health difficulties.

“The removal of the stigma surrounding mental health issues is an ongoing battle, but major strides have been made in recent years by bringing DIL into the heart of our communities, walking together, in support of one another, and openly discussing mental health,” said Mr O'Meara.

He said that the committee was grateful to the local community for their generosity and time; Tipperary County Council, and the Courts Services for the use of the courthouse steps for music and the courthouse railings for the Tags of Hope, local businesses, Gardaí, schools, our volunteers, the Scouts Hall, and voluntary groups and clubs.

And while the walk itself is the main fundraiser for Darkness Into Light, Mr O’Meara pointed out that over the last few months they had organised various Yellow Days in local schools, a Spin and Sign Up Day in Nenagh, bucket collections, business donations and private donations from individuals.

“We are very grateful to all those who have volunteered their time over the last number of months. “We will know the final fundraising total in the coming weeks as the remaining donations come in and we will share this information publicly then. We hope to do it all again next year for a great cause and for those in need”, he said.