The Baton of Hope
I marched at the Baton of Hope in July 2023 when it went through Central London as part of its tour across the UK. It was a truly inspirational event organised by Mike McCarthy after he lost his son to suicide. The event was very well organised with a march through Central London where different people who had been affected by suicide marched holding the baton, which is a work of art in itself. We then all congregated at Horse Guards Parade where we heard an interview with the then Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. We then marched on to the Tate Gallery where an area was set aside for different charities to speak about what they are doing in the field of mental health. It was an inspirational, emotional, and beautiful event that brought so many different people together who are all working to a common goal of achieving a zero suicide rate society. I was particularly inspired that members of the Household Cavalry had joined the march and walked their horses alongside us all.
The Baton of Hope is due to run again in 2025 and there is a map showing all the locations it will be at. I know that if you join you will find it an inspirational day in the world of mental health awareness.
Susie Grady
