- National campaign to support Darkness Into Light by Pieta House
This Monday, April 10th, Electric Ireland, is launching ‘The National Wake Up Call’, a rallying cry to the people of Ireland to ‘Wake Up’ to the critical issue of suicide and self-harm in Ireland. Last year, almost 500 people died by suicide in Ireland. As proud partner of Pieta House’s annual Darkness Into Light event for the fifth year, Electric Ireland wants people to wake up and support Pieta House to raise vital funds for suicide prevention, suicide bereavement and self-harm.
As part of the ‘National Wake Up Call’ Electric Ireland has teamed up with Leinster and Ireland star Jack McGrath, radio presenters Nikki Hayes and Eoghan McDermott and celebrity chef Derry Clarke to create a captivating photoshoot, as they each share stories of compassion, survival, loss and strength.
Speaking at the launch of the ‘National Wake Up Call’, Leinster and Ireland rugby player Jack McGrath said: "It's a hugely powerful event to be involved in. I've been a Pieta House ambassador for several years now and it would be great to see as many people 'Wake Up' and out walking on May 6th."
RTE’s Sports Broadcaster Evanne Ní Chuilinn commented: “I know from personal experience that Darkness into Light is something that those who've lost someone to suicide take comfort in. Wake up and Walk with us, with them, together on May 6th at 4.15am.”
Celebrity chef and Pieta House ambassador Derry Clarke added: "It’s always incredible to see the power of the people, walking into the dawn together to make a difference. Let's get as many people as possible out on May 6th."
Radio presenter Nikki Hayes revealed: "Years ago, there was no light, just darkness. Now, more than ever, it’s time to 'Wake Up' and realise that there is help out there for everyone. Wake up and walk with us on May 6th at 4.15am."
Electric Ireland and Pieta House are encouraging people to ‘Wake Up’ and walk from Darkness Into Light on May 6th at 4.15am. Darkness Into Light has become much more than a fundraiser; it is now a movement which touches the hearts and minds of people throughout Ireland and around the world.
Broadcaster and Pieta House ambassador Eoghan McDermott said: "I've been a Pieta House ambassador for a number of years now and the fact that the numbers grow so much every year for Darkness into Light proves the scale of the battle being fought but also the depth of resolve with which it will be fought."
Paul Stapleton, General Manager of Electric Ireland, said: “We are very proud to support Pieta House, their vital work and their important message of hope. Darkness Into Light has become much more than a fundraiser; it is now a national movement which reaches every community throughout Ireland. Last year 120,000 people participated in 110 locations all over Ireland. This year we’d like to encourage as many people as possible to wake up early on May 6th to help raise much needed funds to help Pieta House create a brighter future.”
To register to ‘Wake Up’ and walk, visit www.darknessintolight.ie and help Pieta House create a brighter future for everyone.
Brian Higgins, Pieta House CEO, added: “Pieta House’s vision is for our services to no longer be needed. Our goal is to replace suicide, self-harm and the stigma around them with hope, self care and acceptance. Right now, Ireland has the second highest suicide rate in Europe and this is a figure that we must change. I want to ask everyone to collectively ‘Wake Up’ to the issue of self-harm and suicide in Ireland. Suicide affects everyone and everyone is related to suicide.”
Find out more about how to Wake Up and walk from Darkness Into Light with Electric Ireland and Pieta House at facebook.com/ElectricIreland | twitter.com/ElectricIreland #DILWakeUp