In 2009, the Phoenix Park saw the first of the yellow t-shirt clad people assembling at an unthinkable hour. There were about 400 people that morning, all huddled together in the blackness and the cold, standing behind the starting line. Who would have guessed that five years on, the little event we call Darkness Into Light would be the symbol of hope, the celebration of life that it is today?

With nearly 40,000 participants last year, how could it get any bigger? But it has, and now Darkness into Light is celebrated in nearly 40 venues in Ireland and thanks to the exploits of London and Sydney… across the world too!

Think about the thousands upon thousands of remarkable people who attended last year. Think about how delicious it will be to collapse back into your warm bed later on that morning, knowing that you’ve done your good deed for the day, and your exercise for the week!

But ultimately, think about how Darkness Into Light is the flagship fundraising and awareness event for Pieta House, and without your support, we could not have helped so many people in distress over the last eight years.

Starting at 4.15am, and crossing the line just as dawn is breaking, the phenomenon that is Darkness Into Light, our annual 5km walk/run, will celebrate its fourth year at Westport House on Saturday, May 7th 2016, and its seventh year in 80 venues across Ireland and beyond lined up.

We encourage you to support this moving and beautiful experience. Please pre-register online at dil.pieta.ie or drop into the office in the farmyard at Westport House.

We hope to see you there.