Suicide and the impact it has on those left behind has taken greater hold of our consciousness in recent years but the numbers involved remain terribly high and the pain incredibly raw.
Over 8,000 people have committed suicide in Ireland since 2001. That’s over 500 teams of GAA or Rugby players, over 700 of soccer teams, across 16 years.
Sport for Business member Electric Ireland, has launched ‘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.
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.
“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,” said McGrath speaking at the launch this week.
“I know from personal experience that Darkness into Light is something that those who’ve lost someone to suicide take comfort in,” added RTÉ Sports Presenter Evanne Ní Chuillin. “Wake up and Walk with us, with them, together on May 6th at 4.15am.”
“We are very proud to support Pieta House, their vital work and their important message of hope,” said Paul Stapleton, General manager of Electric Ireland.
“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.
