Electric Ireland and Pieta Launch 2025 Darkness Into Light Campaign with Ambassador RuthAnne

• Grammy-winning Irish artist RuthAnne lends her voice to raise awareness and encourage participation in Darkness Into Light 2025.
• The campaign emphasises that the first and most impactful step is signing up at darknessintolight.ie
• This is the thirteenth year that Electric Ireland has supported Darkness Into Light
• Darkness Into Light will take place on Saturday, 10^th May, 2025, in locations across Ireland and worldwide.
• The event raises crucial funds for Pieta's free suicide and self-harm prevention and intervention services, as well as its suicide bereavement support services.

Darkness Into Light, Pieta’s biggest fundraising event sponsored by Electric Ireland, returns on Saturday, 10^th May, 2025. This year, the campaign is being spearheaded by Grammy-winning singer-songwriter RuthAnne, who is calling on the public to sign up early to support Pieta's lifesaving work. With over 100,000 participants expected to take part around the world, Darkness Into Light begins in darkness at 4:15am with dawn breaking as participants cross the finish line, symbolising the journey from crisis to hope.

More than just a walk, it is a vital fundraising initiative that allows Pieta to continue providing a lifeline to people who are affected by thoughts of suicide or self-harm, or who have lost someone to suicide. The first step to supporting Pieta through Darkness Into Light is taken long before participants reach the start line. It happens upon registration at darknessintolight.ie. Signing up doesn’t just mean securing your place in the walk; each registration directly contributes to Pieta's ability to answer calls, provide therapy, and support families who need help. Every registration fee is a direct donation that makes a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Speaking about the campaign, RuthAnne said, "I am honoured to be an ambassador for Darkness Into Light 2025. Signing up is more than just registering for your local walk; it's taking the first step towards providing hope and support to those who need it most. Having struggled with my own mental health in the past, and lost some loved ones to suicide, I know how important it is to have someone available on the end of the phone to speak to. Darkness Into Light plays a crucial role in enabling Pieta to provide that support to people when it is needed most. I urge everyone to visit darknessintolight.ie and sign-up today."

Pieta relies heavily on public fundraising, with over 87% of its annual income coming from events like Darkness Into Light. The funds raised enable Pieta's team of qualified therapists and support staff to provide vital services across the country.

The €22 sign-up fee for Darkness Into Light enables Pieta to receive two calls to their 24/7 helpline, providing immediate support and guidance for those affected by thoughts of suicide or self-harm, or who have lost someone to suicide.

Pieta’s CEO, Stephanie Manahan, highlighted the importance of the event: "The funds we raise each year through Darkness Into Light are essential in sustaining Pieta’s free, professional, and accessible support services. Every lifesaving conversation, every lifesaving counselling session, and every moment of suicide and self-harm prevention we provide is made possible by the generosity of those who sign up, show up, and walk. We are deeply grateful for the incredible commitment of our supporters and our sponsor, Electric Ireland, whose efforts help us provide hope and vital support to those who need it most."

Lisa Browne, Head of Marketing and Customer Insights, Electric Ireland, commented: “Electric Ireland is delighted to continue our 13-year partnership with Pieta and Darkness Into Light. We are committed to making a difference in the communities we serve. This sponsorship is vital to our customers and staff, who actively participate each year to raise funds for Pieta and show solidarity with those affected by suicide and self-harm. Despite progress, significant challenges remain, making Pieta's work invaluable and necessary”.

Pieta provides easily accessible, free-of-charge services online, by phone, or in person to people of all ages and backgrounds. Pieta and Electric Ireland are reminding people that by registering online for their local event and fundraising, they are making a valuable contribution towards Pieta’s vital therapy and support services for those impacted by suicide.

Sign up today at darknessintolight.ie.

#DIL2025 #DarknessIntoLight2025