The ‘Baton of Hope’ movement began when two Fathers, Mike McCarthy and Steve Phillip first met on social media after each suffering unbearable loss. Despite their bereavement, the men became passionate advocates for change in the UK suicide prevention policy, determined to create hope for others facing the despair their sons had faced.
There are currently around 6000 deaths by suicide a year in the UK, and the work of the Baton of Hope movement highlights the importance of starting conversations to strive towards a zero-suicide society.
Our team were incredibly proud to attend the ‘Walk of Hope’ event at the Weston Park Museum, where our two team members, Umar and Becks, proudly carried the baton for a section of its journey between cities.
The event marks the two-year anniversary of the first ever Baton of Hope relay in 2023, when our teams in Birmingham and Sheffield were delighted to be asked to carry the baton on its maiden two-week journey through cities around the UK. The maiden relay coincided with the display of the beautiful ‘Speak Their Name’ quilt displayed in Sheffield’s Winter Gardens.
The Baton of Hope tour continues in September, visiting 20 locations over 6 weeks. You can follow the progress and support the campaign here.