Saturday: “5km walk/run that will begin at 4.15am on May 9th and will attract hundreds of those who have been affected by suicide”

“This Friday Saturday, May 9th, Irish charity Pieta House’s Darkness Into Light comes to Washington DC for the first time this year. Darkness Into Light is a unique, early morning experience which begins in darkness at 4.15am when thousands of people walk or run a 5km route while dawn is breaking. The walk/run will begin at Catholic University of America, in partnership with the CUA Gaels, crossing the finish line just as dawn is breaking at the breathtaking Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

Pieta House is a centre for the prevention of self-harm or suicide in Ireland and provides a free, therapeutic approach to people who need it.Darkness Into Light is now in its seventh year and last year’s event attracted 80,000 participants in 39 locations across Ireland, London, Sydney and America. With the number of locations doubling this year, organizers are expecting over 100,000 people to take part. 80 venues will host the event on the island of Ireland and abroad including in Australia, Canada, England, Scotland and the USA.

Joan Freeman, founder of Pieta House, spoke about the launch in Washington, “Darkness Into Light is a people’s event organized by local committees all over Ireland and abroad. Although the number of people walking has never been greater, neither has the need. The addition of Washington as a location this year shows how Darkness Into Light is uniting people across the globe in solidarity with those who suffer.” She added “While suicide is a devastating tragedy, we mustn’t forget that there is hope, there is help, and Pieta House will be there to provide both.”

While Darkness Into Light raises much needed funds, it is also about awareness, solidarity and local communities. This year, Pieta House is asking those taking part to connect with others at the event. Walkers/runners are encouraged to speak to the person beside them, tell a story or simply say hello, connect and acknowledge one another. Make your presence known. No one should walk alone.

Online registration and further details are available now at  www.darknessintolight.ie“