Murphy Geospatial is committed to supporting communities with our programme of CSR activity. In May, our Chief Strategy Officer, Ray Murphy, will be taking part in the Darkness into Light Cycle, to help raise awareness and essential funds for the mental health charity, Pieta. Pieta provides free counselling services to those affected by suicidal thoughts or bereaved as a result of suicide.
Darkness into Light Charity Cycle
The 216km night charity cycle will take place on Friday 5th of May and will see Ray ride overnight alongside other volunteers from Galway Bay to Dublin Bay in Ireland.
Pieta helps those who are in suicidal distress, engage in self-harm, or bereaved by suicide by providing free counselling services. The non-profit first opened its doors back in 2005 and operates across Ireland with more than 20 locations. Its inspiring vision is ‘A world where suicide, self-harm and stigma have been replaced by hope, self-care and acceptance.’
The Mental Health Climate
There is a mental health epidemic happening in Ireland. Mental Health Ireland reports that the country has one of the highest rates of mental illness in Europe, coming third out of 36 countries, with 18.5% of the Irish population recorded as having a mental health illness. According to the World Health Organisation, ‘over 700,000 people take their own life each year’ and leave behind loved ones. The work that Pieta does is essential to changing this.
Ray said: “We know that many people in Ireland are facing significant mental health challenges. Talking to a professional can change the course of someone’s life from a tragic outcome to something positive. The work that Pieta does is vital, and I’m proud to be able to take part in the Darkness into Light cycle and to show those who are struggling that they aren’t alone, and help is out there. For that help to continue, your donations in support of the event and Pieta would be greatly appreciated.”
How to donate
If you’d like to support Ray and donate to Pieta, visit the GoFundMe Page.
To learn more about Pieta and the life changing work the charity does, visit Pieta.com.