€200k has been raised from the annual Galway City ‘Darkness Into Light’ Walk/Run which took place during the early hours of this morning.
The money that has been raised through ‘Darkness Into Light’ (DIL) helps to keep Pieta House’s life-saving counselling services free as well as help broaden their services.
Almost 10,000 people left the comfort of their warm beds in the midst of the night to take part in the 5km Walk/Run which began at Leisureland in Salthill at 4.15 am this morning.
Not even a tinge of rain could be felt in the sky as people made their way towards Salthill in their droves. With a soft sea breeze blowing us towards Galway Bay, everyone seemed to be in high spirits as we began the walk. This was helped in some way by The Tribe Tones who provided the music before we began the walk.
5000 people had registered prior to the event with an additional 5000 turning up this morning. Young and old, men, women, children and even dogs, all walked along Galway Bay, sharing the light by helping to promote suicide prevention and tackling the stigma that leads people to the doors of Pieta House centres.
Today I completed my very first ‘Darkness Into Light’ walk something I am immensely proud of, knowing that I am now able to cope in some way, shape or form with the loss of my best friend, who committed suicide almost four years ago now.
Mary Reardon, one of the committee members involved in the Galway City ‘Darkness Into Light’ 5k Walk/Run spoke about the help that they had received to allow this walk to go ahead this morning.
“We have a committee of 5 to organise the ‘Darkness Into Light Walk’. On the committee, Tim, Christina, Margaret, Joe and Neil and then of course there is myself.”
“Today we had 50 guys from the army, the civil defense. We had local guards and about 40 volunteers.
“We are delighted with how well the morning has been, we’ve raised 2 hundred thousand euros, none of which would have been possible without those who have come out in numbers this morning.”
Emma McCready, from Donegal and currently a chemistry student in NUI Galway, took part in the ‘Darkness Into Light’ walk for the first time. Emma spoke about the walk and what it meant to her.
“I have to say it was a really rewarding experience, to be able to take part in such an important fundraiser.
“It was so touching to see so many people out at that hour for such a worthy cause.”
Many of the local businesses in Salthill came on board and helped out with providing refreshments and entertainment for the participants.
- Nox Hotel Sponsored Bananas
- Londis Newcastle Foodhall provided Sandwiches.
- The Tribe Tones Choir for performing live.
- The Galleon Hotel opened at 4.30a.m. for those who were seeking breakfast.
- Galway City Karting who are donating a euro for every comment they get as they tried to merge two events together.
- Murray’s opened between 4.45a.m. and 6.30a.m for anyone looking for coffee.
- Coco Cafe were offering complimentary teas and coffees between 4-5am for all participants.
- Alex Herman of Lucky Bites and Lucky Waffles provided tea and coffee.
- Galway Bay Hotel opened at 4.45a.m to provide breakfast.
For those may not have had the chance to do the walk or for those interested in donating you can do so here.
