Stunning sunrise photo to be used to promote Darkness into Light this year

A stunning Westmeath sunrise captured by award winning local photographer James Crombie is being used by Pieta House to promote this year’s Darkness Into Light, which takes place on May 8.

The image taken by Crombie on the shores of Lough Ennell at Dysart is one of six virtual backgrounds to be used by Pieta House to publicise this year’s event.

Pieta House says that it “reached out” to James after he was named the Press Photographer of the Year 2021 in late February.

The Rahugh native’s profile rose even further in March when mesmerising footage taken by him and his friend Colin Hogg of a murmuration of starlings in the shape of bird over Lough Ennell went viral around the world.

“His work is so captivating, and we felt he was someone we needed to be involved in this project,” Pieta House said.

James tweeted that he was “extremely grateful” to be asked to donate an image by the mental health charity.

Pieta House explained how it has had to modify this year’s event due to the pandemic.

“As we cannot gather together at our usual Darkness Into Light venues, we are bringing DIL to you, and asking all our supporters to don their yellow T-shirts and take part in the event at a time and in a location that suits them. We are so looking forward to sharing this very special sunrise with you.

“This year you can choose to sign up for a special sunrise event – walk, swim, bike or simply share your sunrise moment – or you can take part in the Darkness Into Light Challenge.

“When you select that option, we’re waiving the sign-up fee for anyone who pledges to raise €150. Get creative with your activity, and remember that no matter how you choose to take part this year, you’ll be giving the gift of hope to those in your community in suicidal crisis, or self-harming.”

To download James’s image or any of the other five backdrops which you can use for your next virtual backdrop, register at darknessintolight.ie.