Wigan woman carries Baton of Hope as UK tour launches in Blackpool
Wigan woman Karen Strong proudly carried the Baton of Hope on the opening day of its 2025 UK tour, marking an emotional milestone in her own journey with mental health.
Having lived through severe depression, Karen knows first-hand how devastating and isolating poor mental health can be. Now in recovery, she is determined to use her story to inspire others, showing that there is life beyond the darkest times.
By carrying the Baton through Blackpool, Karen said she wanted to be a living example that healing is possible.
Karen told what’s happening in Wigan: “Unless you’ve been there, you can’t explain it to people. When you feel so helpless, so lonely, so low, it’s a horrible place to be. I dreaded each day, but eventually I did see the light and I did get through it.
“I am walking for me. I’m hoping people who can’t see any light at the moment, I’ll be a beacon of hope for them.”
What is the Baton of Hope?
The Baton of Hope is the UK’s largest suicide prevention initiative, co-founded by Mike McCarthy and Steve Phillip after both lost their sons to suicide.
The campaign not only raises awareness but actively fights for better mental health support across the UK, calling for improved services, more accessible help, and an end to the stigma surrounding suicide.
Mike, a former TV journalist said: “I lost my son Ross, who was 31, to suicide on the 21st February 2021 and Ross left a long farewell letter. One of the things that leapt out was a plea, well, a dying wish effectively, would his family fight to improve mental health support in the UK.
I dedicated myself to fighting that cause and eventually we formed the Baton of Hope.”
What Is the Baton of Hope Tour?
The Baton of Hope Tour is a powerful, UK-wide relay where each person that carries the baton has either survived a suicide attempt, or lost someone they loved to suicide.
The Baton itself was specially crafted by royal silversmiths Thomas Lyte. It features a lattice representing support, and a semi-colon (used when a sentence could have ended but continues instead) — all to show that life can go on, even after the darkest times.
Its inaugural tour launched in 2023, traveling through 12 different UK locations—from Glasgow to London—making it the largest suicide prevention initiative the country had ever seen.
Due to that success, the 2025 tour is significantly expanded, growing to visit 20 locations across the UK, and this year it started in Blackpool on Monday 1 September
Collectively the tour seeks to break down stigma, foster open dialogue, and advocate for improved mental health services, and Mike admits he feels a sense of pride and admiration for everyone who takes part.
He told me: “They’re using their pain to tell the world ‘we’re going to speak about this, we’re not ashamed, the people that we lost mattered.
“They have a voice, they may not be able to use it anymore, so we’re going to be their voices now.”
A Message That Resonates in Wigan
Karen’s involvement has struck a chord with many in her hometown. In Wigan, as across the UK, families continue to be affected by suicide and gaps in mental health support. Local groups and charities are working tirelessly to provide help, but demand for services often far outstrips supply.
Karen’s role in Blackpool is a reminder that Wigan has its own voice in this national movement, and her message echoes the powerful words of Archbishop Desmond Tutu:
“Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.”
Walking Beside Karen – A Personal Reflection
I just want to add something personal here, because being part of the day in Blackpool meant so much to me. I met Karen just under a year ago, and honestly, we just instantly clicked.
She’s one of those people you can’t help but love — funny, warm, and honestly hilarious. You know when you meet someone and it feels like you’ve known them forever? That’s Karen.
So, to walk by her side as she carried the Baton of Hope… I can’t even tell you how proud I felt.
It was also a bit of a full-circle moment seeing Mike again. Back in my radio days, Mike was at Sky News, and our paths crossed loads on different stories — mainly at big, high-profile trials. He was always so lovely, just genuinely kind, even in the middle of the most hectic news days.
I hadn’t seen him for at least ten years, but when his son Ross died, messaged him and since then have followed all the incredible work he’s been doing.
So yes, it was lovely to see him in Blackpool, but of course, bittersweet too. The whole day had that mix of pride and sadness, but also this overwhelming feeling of hope — which is exactly what the Baton is all about.
More info about the Baton of Hope here.
Support in Wigan and Beyond
Here in Wigan, no one should face these struggles alone. Support is available locally and nationally:
The Girls Club, Wigan – A women’s support group founded by Jess from Ashton-in-Makerfield. Meetings offer a safe and supportive space to talk. Check their social media for updates here.
- Andy’s Man Club – A nationwide men’s peer-to-peer support group, with three weekly meetings in Wigan. Open to men aged 18+, providing a safe, non-judgemental space to talk. Check their social media here.
Wigan and Leigh Mind – Local mental health charity providing counselling, peer support, and wellbeing services.
Papyrus HOPELINEUK – For young people under 35 struggling with thoughts of suicide: 0800 068 4141.
Samaritans – Available 24/7 for anyone in emotional distress: Call 116 123.
NHS 111 – For urgent but non-emergency support. If it’s an emergency, always dial 999.
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