Sister to carry Olympic torch-style Baton of Hope in honour of Torquay brother, 20

The sister of a Torquay man who died aged just 20 will be honouring her brother as she plays a leading role in the UK’s biggest suicide prevention event.

Tommy Spink lost his own battle against mental health just before his 21st birthday in 2020 when he was found on cliffs at Walls Hill in Babbacombe.

Since then mum Sandie, sister Toni Stone and friends and family have been raising thousands of pounds for mental health charities in his memory through a ‘Tommy's World’ group.

Now Toni has been selected to be a Baton Bearer for the Baton of Hope UK Tour 25. It will be travelling to 20 locations across the UK, with the baton being passed in Olympic-torch style from person to person, all who have been affected by suicide in one way or another. 

Toni says: “In order for the charity to continue its vital work in supporting suicide prevention, they need to raise money and as a Baton Bearer, so we are raising funds to support their mission.

“The Baton of Hope UK are part of a growing movement aspiring to a zero-suicide society, and will simply not tolerate more than 6,000 suicide deaths per year in the UK when most suicides are preventable. 

“They have a vision of a society where suicide and suicide prevention are openly and widely discussed, inspire hope through action, where people are suitably supported, and where everyone plays their part in realising this vision.”

Toni and her mum are fundraising for a ‘Tommy's World Walk of the Bay’ from Brixham to Torquay on Saturday August 9.

So far they have about 70 people walking with them, covering nine miles. 

Toni says: “All proceeds will be going to the Baton of Hope UK charity and a local suicide prevention grant pot so as we can support grassroots activity here in the Bay. 

“We would be extremely grateful for any donations to support our fundraising efforts for the Baton of Hope UK. 

“We believe that every member of our community should have access to the right support at the right time. Suicide is the biggest killer of men under 50 and women under 35. With your help and support, we can break the stigma around suicide and save more lives.”

The Baton of Hope is the UK's largest suicide prevention initiative.

Torbay is one of the successful bidders chosen to host a one-day leg of the tour on Tuesday September 30.

The Baton of Hope was devised by a national suicide prevention charity as a parallel icon to the Olympic torch, but one that celebrates mental wellbeing and honours the memory of those lost to suicide. 

Torbay is the only area selected in the South West to be part of the 2025 tour.

The baton walking route will go through Torquay, Paignton and Brixham and feature events and activities along the way at different locations in each town before culminating in a final celebration event with entertainment for all. 

Suicide survivors and those bereaved by suicide have been offered the chance to help carry the baton in honour of their own journey or in memory of a loved one lost.

More than 100 people have come forward to help carry the Baton of Hope through the resort.

There will also be a civic event at the Lyceum Theatre in Abbey Road, Torquay, between 9:15am and 10:30am.

This will be a high-profile opportunity to hear speeches / presentations / performance from local dignitaries including senior leaders from anchor institutions, people with lived experience and the national Baton of Hope charity. The baton will pass through the theatre as it progresses on its relay route.

Attendees will also be encouraged to sign a Torbay Baton of Hope pledge demonstrating Torbay's collective commitment to speak openly about mental health and commitment to suicide prevention.

There will also be a baton bearer hand on from local senior public sector representatives in a show of solidarity before the event.

A finale event is being planned for the Riviera International Conference Centre.

Tommy’s World have previously raised money for Pete’s Dragon a local suicide bereavement chairty based in Exmouth and raised £4,500 back for mental health charity MIND.

Find out more about the Baton of Hope:  https://batonofhopeuk.org/