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6th May 2023
01:39pm BST
A participant spells out 'Hope' with candles at one of the country's 200 events. (Credit: Rolling News)[/caption]
The campaign has now grown to such an extent that over 100,000 people took part in this morning's proceedings at over 200 locations across Ireland. A further 14 other countries also joined in on the fundraising event too.
People who participate in the event take part in walks, runs and even swims as dawn breaks, with many rising as early as 4am to show their support for mental health sufferers.
The Phoenix Park was the staging place for one of the campaign's biggest events, as over 10,000 people turned out to take part.
Leading the Bray iteration of the early-morning fundraiser was veteran broadcaster Charlie Bird along with Pieta House CEO Stephanie Manahan.
https://twitter.com/maryloumcdonald/status/1654700875816792064?s=12&t=BC3PrxfZb6gEw555DUo4hA
Last year a staggering sum of €4.5 million was raised through the campaign's various fundraising events, which the charity said allowed them to fund an additional 156 helpline hours, 10,956 crisis counselling sessions and 6,123 therapy sessions.
Other notable attendees at this year's events included the likes of Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald, who took part in the Sandymount event, along with various other political figures and celebrities who turned out across the country to show their support.
You can find out more about the Darkness Into Light campaign here.
If you need to talk, contact:
Pieta House 1800 247 247 or email mary@pieta.ie
Samaritans 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
Aware 1800 80 48 48
Teen-line Ireland 1800 833 634 (for ages 13-19)
Childline 1800 66 66 66 (for under 18s)
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