Roughly 1,300 people took to Mountmellick GAA Grounds this morning for the annual Darkness into Light event for Pieta House.
These record-breaking numbers in Acragar are a reflection of the belief in funding for services like Pieta House.
This is the eighth year that the event has taken place in Mountmellick – the largest Darkness into Light walk in the county.
Those in attendance came from all walks of life to gather in a message of hope for Pieta House.
Among those in attendence was this year’s Laois Rose Sarah Bergin.
An impassioned speech and countdown took place before the crowd before the participants started on the 5km course at 4.25am.
Mountmellick was one out of three Laois areas holding the event, with Rathdowney and The Swan also holding their own 5km walks.
Pieta House provides therapeutic service for people who are experiencing suicidal ideation, people who have attempted suicide and people who are engaging in self-harm.
Symbolically the 5km walk represents the therapeutic counselling journey. It sparks conversation about the importance of mental health and wellbeing in all our lives.
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