Today Electric Ireland launched Wake Up campaign; the annual Darkness Into Light campaign inviting the people of Northern Ireland to Wake up and Walk on Saturday, May 12th to raise vital funds for suicide prevention, suicide bereavement and self–harm.

As a proud partner of Darkness Into Light, now in its tenth year, Electric Ireland together with Pieta House – organisers of Darkness Into Light – and its partnering charities have joined with some of Northern Ireland’s best known personalities to raise awareness that how we treat each other is a matter of life and death whilst also helping to de–stigmatise suicide and self–harm. Jamie–Lee O’Donnell, who played Michelle in the hit TV series Derry Girls, will be joined by GAA legend Oisin McConville, Q radio’s Stephen and Cate, Annette Kelly from Little Penny Thoughts and mental health nurse and blogger, Judy from French Grey Lifestyle in a campaign encouraging people of all ages to sign up to walk from Darkness into Light.

Clare McAllister, Sales & Marketing Manager Electric Ireland Northern Ireland, said: “The message of kindness and hope which is delivered through the Darkness Into Light walk is one of great importance.  We are very proud to support the walk and the beneficiary charities in the vital work they do every day of the year.  This campaign reflects our values as an organisation and our determination to continue to support the communities in which we live and operate in.”

Jamie–Lee O’Donnell said: “This is such an important campaign, I’m delighted to be supporting the beneficiary charities and Electric Ireland in delivering the message of Darkness Into Light for the 2018 walk. I know that together we can help contribute to this global movement and spread a message of hope, self–care and acceptance.”

Brian Higgins, CEO of Pieta House, said: “Thanks to the generosity of all our participants and supporters, all of our services and those of our Northern Ireland charity partners remain accessible to all. We all need to wake up to the stigmas that lead people to the point of self–harm or suicidal crisis.”

Darkness Into Light has become much more than a fundraiser; it is now a global movement which touches the hearts and minds of people throughout Ireland and around the world with over 180,000 participants taking part last year. Electric Ireland and Pieta House are encouraging people to Wake Up and Walk from Darkness Into Light at 4.15am on Saturday, May 12th.

All registrations must be completed online by Friday May 4th to receive the new design, free Darkness Into Light t–shirt via post and secure a spot at a registered location. Visit www.darknessintolight.ieto register to Wake Up and Walk to help create a brighter future for everyone. Early registration is vital as spaces fill up quickly, for the latest news and updates follow Pieta House on Twitter https://twitter.com/PietaHouse  and Electric Ireland at https://twitter.com/ElecIrelandNI

ENDS

For more information or imagery please contact CMcNelis@aikenpr.com  Notes to editor

Northern Ireland venues for Darkness Into Light walks:

• Antrim & Newtonabbey

• Ballymena

• Hannahstown

• Ormeau Park Belfast

• Derry City

• Rostrevor

• Lisnaskea

• Cookstown

• Strabane