Electric Ireland and Pieta launch campaign for Pieta's Darkness Into Light 2026

Today, Monday 13th April 2026, Jennifer Zamparelli joins Pieta and Electric Ireland to officially launch Pieta’s Darkness Into Light 2026 campaign, inviting individuals, families and communities across Ireland and worldwide to ‘Share A Walk’ in support of Pieta’s vital suicide and self-harm prevention services. Proudly supported by Electric Ireland, Pieta’s Darkness Into Light 2026 will take place at 4:15am on Saturday 9th May, with 177 walks taking place across 18 countries. 

This year, broadcaster and presenter Jennifer Zamparelli lends her voice as Electric Ireland’s official campaign ambassador, encouraging everyone to experience the benefits of a shared walk at this year’s Darkness Into Light.   

Speaking at the launch, Jennifer Zamparelli commented: “I am absolutely honoured to be back as an ambassador for Pieta’s Darkness Into Light campaign, proudly supported by Electric Ireland. 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.” 

Darkness Into Light is more than a sunrise walk with friends and family, it is Pieta's biggest fundraiser and directly supports vital suicide and self-harm prevention services across Ireland. In 2025 alone, supported by the funds raised at Pieta’s Darkness Into Light, the 24/7 Pieta Crisis Helpline was able to manage almost 100,000 calls and texts and deliver more than 40,000 hours of therapy.  

Stephanie Manahan, CEO of Pieta, highlighted the ongoing importance of the event: “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. We know many people take part each year in remembrance and solidarity, and we are deeply grateful for that continued support. But registration is what truly helps turn that support into funding for the services people rely on. We are encouraging people across Ireland to come together again on Saturday 9th May and register now for their nearest walk at darknessintolight.ie” 

As part of the 2026 campaign, a new Electric Ireland TV ad entitled One More Walk will air from today, inspired by the real stories of families in Ireland that have been impacted by suicide. There will also be a Share A Walk registration installation popping up for one week from today in Merrion Square, Dublin, with a direct link through QR code to register for the event and invite friends to Share A Walk. 

Lisa Browne, Head of Marketing and Customer Insights, Electric Ireland, commented: “This is the 14th year that Electric Ireland has sponsored Pieta’s Darkness Into Light and we have renewed our sponsorship for another three years. 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.” 

In 2025, over 80,000 people took part in 200 Darkness Into Light walks across 15 countries, raising more than €4 million for Pieta. Electric Ireland and Pieta hope to build on this success in 2026, inviting even more people to share a walk and make a difference. By registering and fundraising, participants help ensure Pieta can continue providing free, nationwide therapy services to those who need support. 

Sign up to share a walk for Pieta’s Darkness Into Light at darknessintolight.ie