There are some events that stop you in your tracks. Not because they're flashy or loud, but because they mean something. Pieta's Darkness Into Light is one of those events, and this year it's back — bigger, more hopeful and more needed than ever.
The 2026 campaign has officially launched, with broadcaster and presenter Jennifer Zamparelli stepping up as Electric Ireland's ambassador for this year's walk. The theme is 'Share A Walk' — a simple but genuinely powerful idea that speaks to something most of us already know: that walking alongside someone, in the literal sense, can do more than a hundred well-chosen words.
The walk itself takes place at 4:15am on Saturday 9th May, with 177 walks across 18 countries. Yes, that means setting an alarm for an hour most of us only see when a child has a nightmare or a newborn has other ideas. But anyone who's ever stood watching a sunrise after that walk will tell you it's worth every bleary-eyed minute.
Why it matters more than ever
Darkness Into Light isn't just a fundraiser — it's Pieta's single biggest source of funding for their free suicide and self-harm prevention services. The numbers from last year alone are striking. Supported by funds raised at the 2025 event, Pieta's 24/7 Crisis Helpline managed almost 100,000 calls and texts and delivered more than 40,000 hours of therapy. Free of charge. To people who needed it desperately.
Stephanie Manahan, CEO of Pieta, put it plainly: "This event matters enormously to Pieta because it does two very powerful things: it brings people together in hope and solidarity, and it raises the funds that help keep our suicide and self-harm prevention services free and available to those who need them. Every person who signs up for Darkness Into Light is helping to make real support possible, from crisis calls being answered to therapy being provided."
She added a gentle but important reminder: turning up is meaningful, but registering is what generates the funding. So if you're planning to walk, please do sign up properly at darknessintolight.ie.
Jennifer Zamparelli on why 'Share A Walk' resonates
Jennifer, who has taken part in Darkness Into Light many times over the years, spoke warmly about why this year's theme landed so well with her personally.
"Having participated in this event so many times over the years, I know how special it is. This year's theme of 'Share A Walk' has resonated with me as I really believe in how powerful the act of sharing a walk can be in strengthening relationships, fostering a genuine connection and a real sense of togetherness."
It's hard to argue with that. There's something about walking side by side — no eye contact required, no pressure to have the right words — that makes hard conversations feel a little less hard. Whether you're walking with a friend who's been going through it, a parent, a teenager who's been quiet lately, or a neighbour you've been meaning to check in with, it matters.
How to get involved
Electric Ireland, who have sponsored Darkness Into Light since 2013 and have just renewed for another three years, are encouraging everyone to take part on 9th May. Last year more than 80,000 people walked across 200 events in 15 countries, raising over €4 million for Pieta. The 2026 goal is to build on that.
Lisa Browne, Head of Marketing and Customer Insights at Electric Ireland, said: "Every year our customers, staff and the general public actively participate in the walks nationwide and generously donate much needed funds to Pieta. We are hopeful that people will once again come together to share a walk on the 9th of May to provide support, comfort and hope."
There are walks taking place all over Ireland, so wherever you are, there's almost certainly one near you. The 4:15am start is non-negotiable (that's the whole point — watching darkness turn to light), but the rest is up to you. Wrap up warm, drag a friend along, and register now so your participation counts where it matters most.
If you or someone you care about needs support right now, Pieta's 24/7 freephone Crisis Helpline is available on 1800 247 247, or text HELP to 51444 (standard message rates apply). For therapy enquiries, call 0818 111 126. If someone is in immediate danger, call 112.
For more info, visit darknessintolight.ie
