A brave member of the Letterkenny Darkness Into Light committee is colouring his hair yellow today to shine a light on this weekend’s all-important fundraiser.
Pádraig McDonagh, a PhD student at ATU Donegal, is taking on a fundraiser with a difference this afternoon. With the expert help of the team at Peter Mark in Letterkenny, he’ll be turning his fair hair a golden yellow.
By dyeing his hair, Padraig hopes to start conversations and bring attention to this important cause.
Darkness Into Light 2023 will take place in 13 locations across Donegal, on the morning of Saturday May 6th 2023, starting at 4:15am. The Letterkenny walk will take off from An Danlann at the ATU Donegal campus.
With just three days to go, Pádraig’s bold move is a reminder that even the smallest actions can make a big impact. All funds donated to the cause will support the mental health services provided by Pieta.
Speaking to Donegal Daily this morning, Pádraig says he is looking forward to switching up his look: “I had my patch test done this morning (Tuesday), and it was the first time I’ve ever wished for rash! I’m feeling great about it, I’m happy to play my part. I started going grey at a young age so some colour will be a welcome novelty! I could always do a charity head shave to remove it afterwards!”
Pádraig McDonagh and Darkness Into Light Letterkenny Ambassador Emma Grace (Miss Earth finalist 2023)
Pádraig is originally from Louth and has been living in Letterkenny for the last 8 years. He is in the second year of his PhD researching electrochemistry.
His week, his focus is on doing what he can to support Pieta.
“Pieta provides essential services,” he said. These services would not be possible without fundraising efforts – 80% of their funding comes from fundraising events like Darkness into Light. These are small margins for such an important service. These services are essential: over 100,000 calls and texts are answered each year and approximately 7000 people receive one-to-one therapy. That’s a lot of help needed out there and given! I’m happy to do what I can to help ensure the services provided are continued.”
A donation page for Pádraig’s Yellow Hair Day has been set up via the Darkness into Light website; https://www.darknessintolight.ie/fundraisers/DiLLetterkennyRaffleandPadraigsYellowHairDay. Those who donate here will also get entered into a raffle with the potential to win some amazing prizes. Additionally, there is a collection bucket in ATU Donegal, or you can contact any committee member to donate.
Photo by Lauren Carroll
So if you’re taking part in Darkness Into Light 2023 this Saturday, make sure to keep an eye out for Pádraig’s bright locks and congratulate him on his challenge. Pádraig is encouraging everyone to set their alarms and join the walk to give the gift of hope to those impacted by suicide and self-harm.
He said: “It’s so much more than a charity walk: it’s a community gathering of strength and hope. It lets those affected by suicide and self-harm know that people care and are there for them; so if you are considering coming on Saturday, and have personal reasons to do so, please come, and let the people of your community support you. That’s what this is all about: walking together to be the light against the dark.”
Sign up today at darknessintolight.ie
