Annual suicide awareness event Darkness Into Light is being postponed until the autumn due to the ongoing Covid-19 outbreak.
Pieta House's annual fundraising event has been postponed until the autumn, the charity has confirmed.
Pieta was expecting over 250,000 people worldwide to take part this year, but now the annual event has had to be called off.
The original date of Saturday, May the 9th has now been pushed back due to the autumn because of the global Covid-19 pandemic, with no definite rescheduled date being given as of yet.
In a statement issued on Sunday night, Pieta House said: "After much deliberation, Pieta have taken the very difficult decision to postpone Darkness Into Light 2020 until the autumn.
"The COVID-19 outbreak that we are currently seeing in Ireland poses an unprecedented challenge to our communities."
The accompanying video tells how 'Pieta needs your support now more than ever' as "some things can be rescheduled but those in suicidal crisis can't".
Darkness Into Light began in 2009 and sees participants gather in various locations before sunrise before walking towards a finish line. It originated as a fundraiser in the Phoenix Park in Dublin before being duplicated across Ireland and all around the world.
You can find out more about Darkness Into Light and how to donate to Pieta House here.
Another mental health awareness charity has been forced to put back its main event.
The annual Cycle Against Suicide eight-day tour of Ireland has also been postponed until the autumn.
The board made the decision to reschedule the ride around Ireland in light of the growing coronavirus epidemic.
If you or someone you know has been affected by the issues raised in this article please contact:
- Samaritans helpline 116 123
- Aware helpline 1800 80 48 48
- Pieta House on 1800 247 247
- The ISPCC on 01 676 7960
