Derbyshire made history yesterday as the Baton of Hope – the UK’s largest suicide prevention event – arrived in the county for a day of remembrance, conversation and community action.
From sunrise at Elvaston Castle to an emotional finale on Cathedral Green, the baton travelled through Derby, carried by people whose lives have been touched by suicide. Along the way, thousands came together at parks, sports grounds, fire stations and workplaces to share stories, signpost support, and remind us all that no one should have to struggle alone.
Ilkeston’s role
What makes this moment especially significant is the role our own town played. Two women from Ilkeston were at the heart of the day.
💐 Claire Goring grew up here and has been one of the driving forces behind Derbyshire’s involvement. She knows the pain of losing someone to suicide – her father died more than 20 years ago – and it was that loss which inspired her to act. Determined that our county should not be left out of the Baton Of Hope UK tour, she helped organise the Derbyshire event and gave countless hours to making it happen.
🌹 Victoria, another familiar face to Ilkeston, carried the baton herself. She did so in memory of her son Michael, whose life and legacy is honoured in the Michael’s Way – Sensory Garden – a place many of us know as a space of peace and comfort. Seeing her walk with the baton, alongside Nanna June, was a moment of quiet strength that touched all who lined the route.
A powerful message
The Baton of Hope began in 2023 with two fathers who had each lost a son to suicide. Their vision was simple: to carry a baton through cities across the UK, sparking conversations and challenging stigma. Yesterday proved that vision is working.
In Derbyshire, families laughed together in Darley Park at the family hub, learnt CPR at Ascot Drive Fire Station, and listened to choirs close the day with music and remembrance. At every stop, there was a mix of grief and hope, pain and pride – a reminder that behind every statistic is a life, a family, and a community.
Why it matters
Suicide remains the biggest killer of men under 50, and too many families in towns like Ilkeston know that pain first-hand. Events like this show what is possible when communities come together – not just to remember, but to push for change.
Claire and Victoria showed us that Ilkeston is not on the sidelines of this story – we are part of it. And through their courage, countless others may find the strength to speak up, seek help, or simply start a conversation that saves a life. Thank you to you both.
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If you’re struggling, please remember you are not alone.
📞 Call Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24/7)
🚨 If someone is in immediate danger, dial 999
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