The Baton of Hope will be travelling through Cumbria on Sunday – here’s your guide to what is happening across the county.
The Baton of Hope is the UK’s biggest suicide prevention initiative and was founded in 2022 by dads Mike McCarthy and Steve Phillip, who both lost family members to suicide.
Lisa Birdsall, whose brother Stephen took his own life, showed personal determination to ensure Cumbria was awarded a chance to host the Baton of Hope 10 years on from his death.
Lisa, who lives and works in Carlisle and is from West Cumbria, her husband Jonny, suicide survivors and families of loved ones who have taken their own lives will form a relay through the county, with more than 80 baton holders, backed by a range of businesses providing funding and logistical support.
Over 80 people will form a relay through the county.
The Baton of Hope aims to:
- Break the stigma around suicide through open conversation
- Inspire hope through action
- Ensure everyone feels supported and no one faces crisis alone
Where will the Baton of Hope be and when?
The Baton of Hope will start its journey through Cumbria from the Sellafield Centre of Excellence in Cleator Moor.
- 7.30am: The opening ceremony begins, with speeches from Lisa, Whitehaven & Workington MP Josh MacAlister and Paul Shearsby, of I Love You Bye.
- 8am: The baton departs Sellafield Centre of Excellence.
- Leconfield Industrial Estate, Cleator Moor.
- 8.45am: Goodlives, Westlakes Science Park
- 10.50am: Hope Haven, Whitehaven
- 11.25am: Whitehaven Harbour/The Beacon, Whitehaven
- 1pm: Bassenthwaite Lake
- 2.05pm: Penrith Leisure Centre
- 3.45pm: The baton arrives at Brunton Park, Carlisle
- 4.10pm: The baton departs Brunton Park, Carlisle
- 4.45pm: Harraby Community Centre, Carlisle
- 5.30pm: Carlisle East Fire Station
- 7pm: Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle
- 7.40pm: Carlisle Castle
Events for the Baton of Hope
Goodlives, Westlakes Science Park, Moor Row
Goodlives will be open from 8.30am.
A ceremony led by Kay Wayman will be held, including a candle lighting to honour those affected by suicide with Lisa Birdsall
Speeches by Karen Jones and Yvonne Myers, followed by opportunities for personal reflection and support.
The garden will be officially opened by Liz Nicholls followed by Whitehaven and District Town Crier
People can also tie a ribbon, write a letter, or write on a stone in memory of your loved one.
Whitehaven
At Hope Haven in Whitehaven, from 10am to noon, there will be an event featuring Wheels of Wellness, Camerados, Spark Bus, Teddy Bear Hospital, the Hope Haven tree, Postcards of Hope and Emotional Wheels.
Hope by the Harbourside takes place in Whitehaven from 10.30am to 1pm, featuring live music from Charlie Finley, Adam Amor, Danceranch and Activity Bus. The harbour is also hosting the support village and street food will be available.
Andy Airey, of 3 Dads Walking, will also speak.
In the Beacon Portal, from 11am to 1pm, there will be a talk by Every Life Matters on suicide safer schools at 12.10pm, artwork by Cumbrian children and a paperchain of hope – organisers want to create a 373m paper chain filled with messages of hope, positivity, and encouragement, stretching from one end of Whitehaven Harbour to the other.
Bassenthwaite Lake
From 11am to 3pm, activities will be put on by Bassenthwaite Lake Sailing Club. People can try sail boat racing, there will be a cooking demonstration from the Fell Foodies, a climbing wall, music from Ged Hagan and a sail boat flotilla.
Penrith Leisure Centre
From noon to 4pm, activities include a keynote speaker, sporting taster sessions and a quiet creative space.
Carlisle
Brunton Park
Carlisle United’s Brunton Park will offer walking football, craft sessions and face painting between 2pm and 4pm. The Baton of Hope is due to arrive from 3.45pm and baton bearers will take the baton around the pitch with mascot Olga, before leaving at around 4.10pm.
Charities and support organisations will also have stalls at the ground.
Harraby Community Centre
The event from 2.30pm to 5.30pm includes the youth theatre performing songs of hope, a be kind display and people can view a blanket of hope and leave memories.
Carlisle East Fire Station
People can pop along from 4.30pm to 6.15pm to find out more about Andy’s Man Club and Gina’s Women’s Club and find out more about Cumbria Health. Entertainment is also promised.
Carlisle Castle
Carlisle Castle will host the finale of the Baton of Hope from 7pm to 10pm.
Live music from The Anthems, Claudia Paige, Rocket Theatre, TikTokker Chronically Emma, and speeches by Mike McCarthy, a tree of hope, live art display.
Food will be available and the castle is also hosting the support village.
Free tickets for the Carlisle Castle event are available here.
