Derbyshire County Cricket Club and the Derbyshire Cricket Foundation have partnered with Baton of Hope, to support the charity throughout 2025, including the Baton Procession on Saturday 13 September, which will stop at The County Ground.
‘The Baton Of Hope’ was devised by a suicide prevention charity as a parallel icon to the Olympic torch – but one that celebrated mental rather than physical wellbeing.
In 2025, the Baton will be carried across the UK and will come to Derby and Derbyshire as one of the successful bidders chosen to host a one-day leg of the tour on Saturday 13 September 2025. A range of events will take place across the city, including at The County Ground, in addition to the Baton procession.
Suicide survivors and those bereaved by suicide are being offered the chance to help carry the baton in honour of their own survival or in memory of a lost loved one. There will also be opportunities for stallholders, entertainment, acts, crafts and activities to be held at the stops along the way.
Claire Goring and Luke Oldham are Project Leads for the local stage.
Claire said: “Words cannot express how we feel about the importance of highlighting the long-overlooked issue of suicide. It is the biggest killer of men under 50 and women under 35 and there has been no improvement in the statistics for 17 years.”
Luke added: “Bringing the Baton of Hope to Derby and Derbyshire will significantly raise awareness and help reduce stigma surrounding suicide – which can prevent so many from asking for help. This tour will build on pre-existing events and support across city and county working closely with partners to work towards a zero suicide society”.
