The sun broke through the branches of the forest trees like little shards of glass. With each step, it started to illuminate a little more, until we rounded onto the main walkway of The K Club in Kildare, and there it was – a beautiful layer of red painted onto the sky announcing that another day had dawned.

The concept of Darkness into Light is a 5km walk at dawn – to remember those who have died by suicide and to give hope to people who are suffering from mental health issues. And of course, we know it has exploded in the 16 years since it started. The impact of that one event in the Phoenix Park in 2009 has radiated throughout the country and beyond.

Last Saturday morning, 197 events took place across 11 countries with 80,000 people taking part. Over €3m was raised to fund Pieta’s lifesaving suicide prevention services. And depending on the location, there were choirs and speeches and celebratory breakfast baps.

But when you strip it all back, it is a very simple act of a walk that starts in the dark of night, and with each passing step, you walk into the breaking of day, into the light. It is symbolic and actually far more emotional than I anticipated.

I’ll be honest, Darkness into Light was one of those events that I meant to do for years, but just never got around to doing. That was until this year, when sadly I had someone to remember.

So last Saturday morning we walked, we talked. We chatted about everyday stuff and we laughed about some lovely memories. But interspersed between the chats, as the sound of runners pounded the road, there were moments of sad silence, where we reflected and remembered the lovely person we had gathered together for. We all hugged at the end, wishing he was with us.

I’ve cried hot tears thinking about the dark place my friend must have been in and I’ve witnessed the most gut-wrenching heartache of his family.

A study released in 2023 by HUGG, a charity that supports those bereaved by suicide, in conjunction with the HSE’s National Suicide Prevention Office, found that as many as 135 people may be affected by one single death by suicide. Of that number, between 15 and 30 people are directly impacted – family and close friends – and the impact radiates among work colleagues, extended relations, neighbours, in essence a whole community. And I saw that community gather on Saturday morning with a hug, a thumbs up, a word of encouragement for my friend’s family. Wow, how we wished he could have seen that support and love when he was alive.

Because although Darkness into Light is an event of hope, the reality of suicide is horrific. I’ve cried hot tears thinking about the dark place my friend must have been in and I’ve witnessed the most gut-wrenching heartache of his family. So much sadness, so many unanswered questions and what-ifs.

So, I’m going to repeat what my friend Ciara, his wonderful and strong wife, said the day of his funeral. If you are going through a tough time, please reach out to someone. Please do not go it alone. There is always a solution. There is always a better way than suicide. It is so important to talk. You may be in darkness but there will be light again.

Justin, you will always be missed.