‘Even in the Darkest Times, There Is Hope’: Top Riders Carry Baton of Hope to Support Suicide Prevention

The act of intentionally taking one’s own life is a tragic and deeply concerning phenomenon. It affects individuals, families, and communities, leaving behind profound emotional and psychological scars. In the United Kingdom, there are over six thousand cases of suicide deaths per year in the country. To address this issue a campaign is launched by the name of Baton of Hope. People from all walks of life are supporting it. Naturally, the cause also got support from the top equestrian riders in the country.

British Equestrian Federation and other major riders like Oliver Townend, Mollie Summerland, and Lewis Carrier have backed the biggest-ever suicide awareness campaign in the country. The campaign is in its last leg, having traveled the length and breadth of the country since June 25, it finally arrived in London.

Baton of Hope message for a point of contention

The riders formed a guard of honor on the road. The equestrian support was organized by Rider Minds, an equestrian mental health charity in cooperation with the Baton of Hope. The founder of Rider Minds said, “We knew we had to get involved with…the mission of the baton is to bring about change in how we approach the subject of suicide, how we talk about it, and how we support those affected by it.” She further said that this is an important event for UK’s equestrian industry and they are proud to have participated in it.

Oliver Townend the Olympic gold medallist said, “huge privilege to be part of this important occasion”. Mollie Summerland pointing towards her own mental health experience said, “It’s really important we’re here today,…I hope it shows that even in the darkest times, there is hope and they are not alone.”

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Baton Of Hope: The biggest suicide campaign in the UK’s history

Mike McCarthy and Steve Phillip created the Baton of Hope as a mission to prevent suicide in the UK, driven by their shared grief of losing their son’s to suicide. After the campaign’s initiation, the then Secretary of State for Health and Social Care expressed support and announced the campaign on BBC.

Since its launch in 2014, the baton has been passed to over 100,000 people, typically individuals who have been affected by suicide in some way. The Baton of Hope is a powerful symbol of hope and resilience. It is a reminder that suicide is preventable and that there is help available. They also have a workplace charter for suicide awareness. They aspire to become a zero-suicide case society.

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