Thousands participated in 5km walks across 197 locations in Ireland and abroad, raising funds for Pieta, the suicide and self-harm prevention charity.

Last year alone, the money raised through Darkness into Light helped Pieta fund 100,000 helpline calls and texts, 51,489 counselling hours, and 6,919 unique therapy journeys. 

Bobby Murray, of Blarney, needed the help of Pieta after his wife died by suicide. He tells CHRIS DUNNE about his remarkable trek to raise money for Pieta - cycling from Cork to China

People across Cork took part in the annual Pieta fundraiser in the early hours of Saturday morning

PREPARATIONS are well underway for the 2024 Darkness Into Light Northside walk, and organisers are inviting people across the community to take part in the event on Saturday, May 11.

The former RTÉ correspondent, who was diagnosed with MND, has urged people to hospices across the country.

Pieta has announced plans to open a new centre in Cork county next month, to ensure people do not have to travel far to avail of therapy services in the region. 

Bird will receive the honour in recognition of his work as a broadcaster and his recent campaigning for the Motor Neurone Disease Association and Pieta

The former RTÉ chief news correspondent handed over the cheques after raising funds through the Climb With Charlie campaign.