THE BATON OF HOPE TOUR RETURNS IN 2027
On the eve of World Suicide Prevention Day (10thSeptember), The Baton of Hope suicide prevention charity has confirmed the dates for its 2027 UK Tour.
From 1st September 2027, the world’s first physical symbol of mental wellbeing will start on its most ambitious journey to date.
Preparations are already underway to host the Baton’s arrival in Doncaster, on 20th September 2027.
“I’m incredibly proud to be leading the Baton of Hope Tour27 in Doncaster. Having carried the Baton myself, I know just how powerful it is and the conversations it can start. Bringing it to Doncaster feels incredibly special, and I want this to be something that truly belongs to our whole community.
The Baton of Hope is about breaking the stigma around suicide, encouraging people to talk openly about mental health and, most importantly, reminding people that there is always hope. We have an amazing opportunity to bring businesses, charities, organisations and local people together across Doncaster for something that can have a genuine and lasting impact.
“There is a huge amount of work ahead, but we already have some fantastic people supporting the journey. I want the day the Baton arrives in Doncaster to be powerful, positive and unforgettable – not just a single event, but the start of more conversations and more people knowing where to turn when they need support.” - Charlotte Lister Project Lead – Baton of Hope Tour27, Doncaster
The area is one of 21 locations selected to take part in the relay around England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man throughout September and October next year.
In Doncaster communities will unite to organise a day of activities and events to coincide with the Baton’s arrival connecting suicide prevention charities and mental health organisations as the Baton is passed from one person to another in a physical reminder of a shared responsibility.
In 2025 more than 1,000 Baton Bearers carried the embodiment of the charity’s name, with each Baton Bearer driven by their desire to change society’s attitudes to suicide.
Celebrities, sports personalities and politicians joining ordinary people made extraordinary by their courage and bravery in carrying the Baton on its way.
All were selected because of their personal storiesof bereavement, or their lived experience of the impact of suicide.
The Baton of Hope is the charity’s physical symbolof hope carefully handcrafted by Thomas Lyte, a Royal Warrant holder as goldsmiths and silversmiths to His Majesty the King Charles III, and makers of the Emirates FA Cup and other exquisite trophies.
The 2027 campaign builds on the resounding success of previous Tours in 2025 and 2023 and marks the vital role the suicide prevention and awareness charity plays in saving lives
Mike McCarthy, Co-Founder & Chair of The Baton of Hope, said: “This is one of the most difficult subjects to talk about, but the Tour is as much about life and hope as it is about death and despair. Even if we bring just the smallest glimmer of hope to someone, we have opened a door.”
The online application process for the 2027 Baton Bearers also opens this week, on World Suicide Prevention Day, with details on how to apply on the charity’s website and social media.
Like Mike McCarthy, many are driven by the legacy of their loved ones. Mike lost his son Ross to suicide in 2021.
“Ross asked me in his goodbye letter if I would fight for mental health support, and use my voice as a journalist to make people listen. To me the greatest privilege, the greatest cause is to save a life.”
The Baton of Hope is a member of the National Suicide Prevention Network, an initiative launched by The Prince and Princess of Wales’ Royal Foundation, bringing together charities and organisations to help transform suicide prevention in the UK.
Following the success of the 2025 Tour, The Prince of Wales endorsed the charity’s work and in a letter to Mike, he wrote: "Together you have united people and communities across the UK to open up a national conversation on suicide.”
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Charlotte Lister CSR & Partnerships Manager
- September 09, 2026
- 0-773-996-1021
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