In memory of Tommy: Baton of Hope comes to Torbay

A group of friends aiming to break the stigma of suicide after the death of a young Torquay man have raised more than £9,000 for a new initiative where a 'Baton of Hope' will be relayed around the country in Olympic torch style.

Tommy Spink lost his own battle against mental health just before his 21st birthday five years ago.

Mum Sandie, sister Toni Stone and friends and family have since been on a fund-raising mission to support mental health charities in his memory through a ‘Tommy's World’ group.

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 and Toni will be one of the torch bearers locally.

A ‘Tommy's World Walk of the Bay’ from Brixham to Torquay was held recently. Toni says: "We recently did a nine-mile walk from Brixham Breakwater to Torquay Marina along the coastal path. 102 of us joined the walk. It sparked lots of conversation along the way.

"From the lovely bus driver on the way over who kindly donated to a lovely lady who joined the walk for a little while sharing her story with how suicide had affected her. 

"We managed to raise £1,000 just by walking and talking the nine miles. So far we have raised  £9,059 and counting for the Baton of Hope UK. "

She added: "By supporting the Baton of Hope you are helping break the stigma, reducing stats and encouraging awareness around suicide prevention in our area.  The Baton of Hope  will show light to those who are suffering and bring us together in the Bay to support one another. 

"Tommy's World wants to open up conversation about suicide. To be able to educate people that it is ok to have those challenging conversations that are so easily shied away from. Suicide has long been considered a taboo subject and Tommy's World is determined to change that. By talking and raising awareness we hope that many people will understand they are loved, needed, that they matter and that we are here to listen to one another without judgement. "

The Baton of Hope UK Tour 25  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. 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.  

There will also be a civic event at the Lyceum Theatre in Abbey Road, Torquay, between 9:15am and 10:30am. A finale event is being planned for the Riviera International Conference Centre. The Big Show of Hope will be headlined by South Devon's very own singing superstar Luke Friend.

Samaritans of South Devon are also taking part in Torbay Baton of Hope. Three volunteers from Samaritans of South Devon will carry the Baton through Torbay.

Among the 100 local baton bearers is Heidi Baker, Deputy Director of Training at Samaritans of South Devon, who said: "I am a very proud Samaritan and welcome the opportunity to put the spotlight on suicide awareness. This is something that we, as Samaritans, deal with on a regular basis. In fact, this is our main objective, to save at least one person from suicide, which we do daily.

“Sometimes we can send the emergency services, with the caller’s permission, and other times we can only listen and be the last voice that the caller hears. I find this is a great privilege as they have chosen the Samaritans to speak to, rather than family or friends, knowing that we won’t judge.

“On a more personal note, I am also doing this for a boy I used to teach when I lived in Spain. A very happy boy who always had a smile on his face and a cheeky quip for anyone who would listen. This boy grew up and had a child, a daughter who he adored. He was surrounded by a loving family, and he grew up in a beautiful part of the world. One awful day, his family couldn’t find him, and then they did. Their world collapsed especially as he appeared to have it all going for him.

“So, this is for him. For Alex. Say his name out loud so that he can never be forgotten.”

Visitors can follow the walkers on a live tour screen at the Event Village in Princess Gardens.

Scarlett Baker, Deputy Director of Outreach at Samaritans of South Devon, said: “A special thank you to the event organisers, their colleagues and volunteers, and the brave Baton Bearers – it wouldn’t have been possible without you. Anyone can contact Samaritans for free, at any time from any phone on 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org. Whoever you are, whatever you are facing, we are here to listen.”

The BIG Show of Hope will see  all proceeds going towards the Torbay Suicide Prevention Legacy Grant Pot which will support local community and voluntary sector initiatives in the future.

For further information and to book tickets please visit: https://www.torbaybatonofhope.com/big-show-of-hope

Please contact batonofhope@torbay.gov.uk  if you have any queries.