On Saturday, May 8th, the brave and bold of Kirby clicked off their alarm clocks shortly after 5am, hit the floorboards and pulled on their yellow t-shirt as they prepared to take on the Kirby Sunrise Challenge in aid of Pieta.

The aim of the challenge? To walk, run or cycle 5k at dawn wearing your Darkness Into Light t-shirt and snap a photo at sunrise, enjoy a fantastic experience while raising some much-needed funds for Pieta and the great work they do. All in all, Kirby raised a massive €7,500 for Pieta.

Judging by all the photos that arrived after the event, it was a huge success, with everyone embracing their inner athlete and getting out there to have loads of fun on the day despite the rain.

More than 140,000 people across the world signed up to participate in the Darkness Into Light event raising more than €6 million in the process.

Well done to everyone who took part!

Pieta House’s Tom McEvoy said, “This year is special. After having to cancel Darkness Into Light last year, this year it was back after popular demand, people want to continue supporting the work of Pieta.

Kirby M.D. Mark Flanagan said, “I’m immensely proud of the fact that so many of our people took up the Kirby Sunrise Challenge in support of Pieta House.  I think you can tell from the photos taken at sunrise that while COVID prevented us from being together on the day, we were together in spirit, the event was still an amazing experience for all who took part.”

Pieta provides a free, therapeutic approach to people in suicidal distress and those who engage in self-harm.

If you or anyone you know is affected by issues relating to suicide or self-harm, you can contact Pieta House’s Free 24 Hour Support Line by texting or calling the number below.

Text Help to 51444 or call on 1800 247 247

Stay well and look after each other.