Walking from darkness into light

Irish organisation Pieta’s flagship annual fundraising event, Darkness into Light 5 km walk took place at the Green Point Lighthouse for the second time, last week Saturday 11 May.

This fun-filled walk sees people starting their journey in the early morning just before sunrise, an activity which symbolises hope.

The event takes place in over 21 countries globally and this year’s theme was Power of Hope.

A total of 318 attendees started their journey at 06:30 in their quest to add hope to the organisation which benefitted from the event.

During the first kilometer of the walk, walkers had to be silent because this symbolised their reflection on life.

A local non-profit organisation, which provides free telephonic and face-to-face counselling, Lifeline Western Cape received half of the proceeds as a donation from Pieta.

Chairperson of Darkness into Light Debra Sowter said the walk provided a safe and non-judgemental space for people to reflect and remember those they have lost to suicide.

“It creates an immediate bond between people and is a cathartic experience for many. We also have a Banner of Hope which entrants write messages on in memory of those lost to suicide,” she said.

She mentioned that the plan to use the banners at schools and workplaces is to create space for open dialogues about all things surrounding mental health.

“Suicide becomes a pandemic and critical healthcare issue and needs urgent attention,” Sowter said.