By Michelle Crean

Kerry branches of Peter Mark salons are once again planning a number of fundraisers all in aid of suicide awareness charity Pieta.

The Petermarkathon event, from October 10 to 30, takes place in Peter Mark salons each year across the October Bank Holiday weekend, and this year has been extended to mark the 60th anniversary of Peter Mark.

Each Peter Mark salon across Kerry has been given the task of coming up with its own individual and unique way to raise money this year, so visitors to their local Peter Mark salon in Kerry can expect, sponsored walks, raffles, games in salon, and many other fun-filled events over the course of both weekends!

All monies raised will go towards supporting the ongoing work of Pieta to provide life-saving services and help those in distress.

Pieta provides professional one-to-one therapeutic service to people who are in suicidal distress, those who engage in self-harm, and those bereaved by suicide. Located in 20 locations across Ireland and employing over 200 therapists and support staff, all services are provided free of charge and no referral is needed. Since it opened its doors in 2006, the charity has seen and helped over 60,000 people in suicidal distress or engaging in self-harm.

"We are delighted to be raising funds for Pieta during our annual Petermarkathon as Peter Mark is 60-years-old this year," Liz Prendiville, Manager of the Peter Mark salon in Killarney told the Killarney Adveriser. "We are aiming to raise as much as we possibly can for such a worthy cause."

Peter O’Rourke, CEO of Peter Mark, added that it's the 10th year of the Petermarkathon.

"Over the last decade we are delighted to say that we have raised over €600,000 for Irish charities across the country. I am so proud of our team who put their heart and soul into this initiative every year and I know it’s a highlight on the Peter Mark calendar. To celebrate our 60th anniversary, this year we want to go bigger and better than ever. We have extended the event to run over three weeks and we look forward to raising as much money as possible to support the important work of Pieta across the country.”

For more information on Pieta House, visit www.pieta.ie.