Posted: 26 September 2025
Embarking on a tour of the UK and carrying a message of suicide prevention to all, the Baton of Hope stopped off at the University Campus North Lincolnshire (UCNL), as crowds came to pledge their support.
The initiative, which was started in 2022 by Mike McCarthy and Steve Phillip, seeks to initiate dialogue, break down pre-conceived stigma and reinforce the message of hope and support in relation to suicide and its prevention.
Throughout the tour, the Baton will be visiting a plethora of locations and organisations, with different individuals playing their part in carrying it from one destination to another – sharing respective personal experiences along the way.
Initially being welcomed into the campus’ Chambers Lecture Theatre, guests had the opportunity to hear from the charity’s Co-Founder, Mike McCarthy, Danny Fenwick (Deputy Principal for DN Colleges Group, who also carried the Baton on the night), Heather Paddison (current UCNL student) and Level 5 Counselling students, with the latter delivering a moving presentation on Emotional Abuse.
Speaking ahead of carrying the Baton herself, Heather talked poignantly about the loss of her stepson, Andrew, and how she continues to honour his memory, while also raising awareness of suicide prevention and men’s mental health.
The Baton was subsequently carried from UCNL by several staff members, including FdSc/BSc Mental Health and Wellbeing Programme Lead, Sara Brown, through the nearby Central Park, with vast numbers of local people in attendance, watching on.
Danny Fenwick, Deputy Principal for DN Colleges Group, said: “It was a great honour and privilege to be one of the Baton of Hope carriers.
“To help in some small way to raise awareness about suicide, the prevalence of it and the impact it is having, is so important. Most importantly it is about talking about this area, bringing it out into the open and having conversations with people about it. This is why this Baton of Hope Tour is so important. If it can help prevent one person taking their own life, then it is absolutely worth it.”
Gillian Reid, Director of School for HE Health, Education, Wellbeing & Sport at DN Colleges, commented: “We were proud to welcome the Baton of Hope to our campus as a symbol of unity, resilience, and our shared commitment to suicide prevention.
“I am especially proud of our students, whose creativity and dedication in raising awareness of such an important issue. It was both emotional and heartening to see such a wonderful turnout, with our local community coming together to raise awareness and share a powerful message of hope.”
For more information on the incredible work which the Baton of Hope carry out, please visit their website.