Emotional journey for Baton of Hope awareness tour

Cathy Pennicott passes the baton to Anne Marie Bond, chief executive of Torbay Council

Torbay has taken centre stage in a national suicide prevention initiative as it hosted a leg of the Baton of Hope Tour.

Inspired by the Olympic torch relay, the event aims to raise awareness of mental health and honour those lost to suicide.

The baton travelled through Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, with more than 100 people, including suicide survivors and those bereaved by suicide, volunteering to carry it in tribute to their personal journeys or loved ones lost.

"We've swept this subject under the carpet for too long," said organiser Mike McCarthy, who lost his son after he was placed on a six-month NHS waiting list for treatment for severe depression.

Dr Lincoln Sargent, director of public health for Torbay, said: "We lose around 20 people to suicide each year - 10 more than the national average.

"Often, people feel they have no options. We want to show that hope is an option."

Ch Supt Roy Linden, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said: "Five years ago, I lost a close friend who was a serving officer.

"Just asking: 'How are you?' or meeting for a coffee can break down the conversational barrier that exists around suicide."

Mr McCarthy, co-founder of Baton of Hope UK, said his son died two weeks after being put on the waiting list.

"He asked me to fight for mental health and I still hear that every day," he said.

"We've swept this subject under the carpet for too long. These were good people. I want to honour them and be their voice."

The tour, which began in Blackpool on 1 September, will visit 20 UK towns and cities, ending in London on 10 October, World Mental Health Day.