100 locals will carry suicide awareness baton in Torbay

A nationwide relay which aims to help save lives and spread the word about the impact of suicide arrives in Devon tomorrow (Tuesday September 30).

Torbay is the only West Country stop on the national Baton of Hope 2025 event, and 100 local people will carry the baton as it makes its way through Torquay, Paignton and Brixham.

Local hero and X Factor finalist Luke Friend will join comedians Marcus Brigstocke and David Arnold, along with variety artiste Ada Campe, for a gala fundraising event to finish the day.

Most of the 100 local baton bearers have been impacted by suicide in some way, and organisers the Torbay Suicide Prevention Partnership say they hope crowds will line the streets to cheer them on.

It is estimated that around 2,700 people in the bay are impacted by suicide each year.

The relay starts at 8am at Princess Gardens in Torquay, where there will be a live screen for people to watch the full Torbay walking route. Wellbeing events and activities will take place throughout the day in Paignton and Brixham before the Big Show of Hope fundraiser at the Riviera Centre.

Among the baton bearers will be Cllr Nick Bye (Con, Wellswood), who said: “This will be a unique opportunity for the whole of the bay to come together to raise awareness of mental health struggles – something that can affect anyone.

“I’m honoured to be one of the 100 people carrying the baton in the relay but if you’re not carrying a baton, you can still get involved.

“The finale fundraiser event will raise much-needed funds to support grassroots activity in the Bay, vital work which will happen long after the baton relay has finished.

“Buying a ticket will ensure you’re playing your part in leaving a legacy of hope for those going through mental health crises.”

The bay’s civic mayor Cllr Barbara Lewis (Con, Preston) will start the relay and the first baton bearer will be sung off by the South Devon Rock Choir. The ‘Torquay Hope Hub’ in Princess Gardens will have stalls, activities, refreshments and entertainment, with a children’s takeover from 4pm.

Free outdoor yoga sessions will be held at Princess Gardens, Paignton Green and Berry Head.

The baton will go by steam train from Paignton to Churston, and the bay’s RNLI lifeboat will carry it from Brixham back to Torquay.