Over 600 People Join Darkness into Light Luxembourg Sunrise Walk

The 2025 edition of Darkness into Light Luxembourg took place in the capital on Saturday 10 May.

Darkness into Light Luxembourg is one of almost 200 global sunrise walks organised to raise awareness of mental health, suicide and self-harm. In Luxembourg, it has been organised since 2019 and over 600 people signed up for the 2025 event.

Chronicle.lu had the opportunity to speak with Lynda Jacob, a member of the organising committee of Darkness into Light Luxembourg, about this year's event.

Chronicle.lu: Please tell us about the origins of the Darkness Into Light event in Luxembourg, and how and why you came to be involved.

Lynda Jacob: Darkness into Light Luxembourg came about when Emma Farrell, Caoimhe Alliot-Stenson and myself, all living in Luxembourg, found out about the walk being organised in Brussels. [We] each contacted the organiser there and were put in touch with one another. All three felt that the walk needed to be brought to Luxembourg, so that those who are struggling or those who have lost someone to suicide would find community and support at a time that can be very lonely due to the stigma surrounding the topic. Our first challenge was to find a local partner charity working in the suicide prevention area as, without this, venues outside Ireland do not get approved to officially host a "Darkness Into Light" walk. Some months later, the Service Prévention Suicide of La Ligue Santé Mentale and SOS Détresse, the national crisis helpline, agreed to partner with us for our first May 2019 walk. During that first event, KJT (Kanner-Jugendtelefon) approached us to become our third partner and we now work with all three charities.

Chronicle.lu: How has the event grown/evolved over the years?

Lynda Jacob: From 420 brave souls walking in the pouring rain in 2019, most of whom were from the Anglophone community, we have grown in 2025 to become a truly international event with participants from many different nationalities thanks to growing publicity and also help from our charities and the Embassy of Ireland in promoting the event to the wider community. Moreover, since 2021, we have the honour of having the High Patronage of Her Royal Highness the Grand Duchess Maria Teresa.

Chronicle.lu: How did this year's event go, how many people participated and how many others were involved in the organisation, both on the day and in the run up to the event?

Lynda Jacob: We view this year's event as a very welcome success, particularly as 9 May was a public holiday [Europe Day] in Luxembourg. We had a beautiful sunrise, and the feeling of hope and community was palpable. People came with their families, including their newborn babies and dogs, others walked with neighbours and friends, and some walkers came alone to take the time to reflect.

The total number of registrations for 2025 was 628, just under last year's record of 649. In fact we had more than 100 registrations in the 24 hours before the walk.

As an organising committee of ten, we have a further 60 volunteers to help set up our venue, decorate the route and help guide the walkers along the way. Our partner charities were also there to answer any questions.

Chronicle.lu: What route did you take, and how was it different to previous editions?

Lynda Jacob: Our beautifully picturesque route, of just under 5 km, from Clausen up into the old part of the city and then back along the Corniche, is particularly suited to the symbolism of Darkness Into Light as walkers experience the sun rising over the valley as we round the corner onto the Chemin de la Corniche. There is also for many a moment of reflection when reading the various moving quotes along the route, feeling that sense of community and the glimmer of hope for the future in finding it easier to talk about mental health issues and bereavement by suicide.

Chronicle.lu: How much money was raised (from registrations?), and how will this be used, i.e. for which charities and projects?

Lynda Jacob: At present, we have only provisional figures as the fundraising pages are open until the end of June, but we hope to near the €25,000 raised last year. The final amount raised is equally divided between our three local charities and used for various projects, for example training helpline volunteers.

Chronicle.lu: What plans have you for the event/cause going forward, including next year? And what are the main challenges you face?

Lynda Jacob: We are proud of what we have done so far and our goal is to highlight the charities and the support they offer the community. Our aim is to build on that year on year and to make sure that anyone who may need help knows it's out there. If we can help just one person, then we feel that the event has been a success.

ED

(L-R: Jean McDonald, Irish Ambassador to Luxembourg; Lynda Jacob; Emma Farrell; Caoimhe Alliot-Stenson; Credit: Greig Stevens)