Ilkeston women lead Derbyshire’s first Baton of Hope

When the Baton of Hope came to Derbyshire for the very first time on Saturday 13th September, it was carried by those who know all too well the devastation suicide leaves behind.

Among them was Claire Goring, who lost her father in 2001, and Joanna Garvey, who lost her son Will whilst he was in his second year at university. Both have since dedicated themselves to supporting others and changing how our local community talks about suicide. 

The Derbyshire tour included ten stops, each having its own unique focus with the Darley Park stop focussing on family and the outdoor. 

The Baton was brought to Darley Park by Olivia Cusack whose Sister Maddy Cusack died by suicide in 2023.

The Baton of Hope held its first tour in 2023 as the UK’s largest suicide prevention initiative. Its design is rich with symbolism: every line points upward, representing the journey towards hope. 

At the top sits a semi-colon, a mark that has become increasingly recognised in suicide prevention. Instead of ending a sentence, a semicolon allows it to continue; a reminder that life can go on even in its darkest moments. 

Claire first encountered the Baton in 2023, where she carried it in Birmingham. The experience, she said, was both overwhelming and inspiring: “Whilst full of emotion and feelings of loss – meeting the people who had also lost someone to suicide felt like a club- one we wish we weren’t a part of but one we need all the same.” 

Claire explained that it was here where her drive to bring the Baton to Derby was ignited: “I need to do this for my Dad, my family and for the people of Derby so no-one else has to suffer the loss of a loved one to suicide.” 

Bringing the Baton to Derbyshire was not just about one day but about sparking long term change and creating a lasting legacy. 

Central to her vision was the idea of involving families and younger generations: “The key bit for us is family, because the earlier you get children talking about mental health the better… adults still sometimes struggle with the world suicide.

“The more you can pull children into these events with a few freebies and activities, the better.”

One member of Claire’s dedicated local team was Joanna Garvey. Joanna lost her son Will at just 20, while he was studying at university, and later set up the Will Garvey Trust Foundation to support young people’s mental health. 

Reflecting on her son’s memory during the Baton’s visit last weekend, she said: “I was thinking last night, what would (Will) think? Part of me thinks he’d be giggling, he’d laugh, he’d be like mum what are you doing! But a part of me also thinks he’d be proud of what we’re doing.” 

For both women, the Baton is a way of making something visible that is so often hidden. 

Two decades ago, Claire said, suicide was hardly spoken about. Today, initiatives like the Baton of Hope are breaking through that silence and showing people that support is out there, and that they are not alone. 

The Baton of Hope’s arrival in Derbyshire was historic, but organisers are clear – the real work is in what comes next.

For Claire, that means keeping conversations going, bringing families and communities together, and ensuring her father’s legacy is not silence but hope. Just as the semi-colon keeps a sentence alive, the Baton of Hope urges us to keep the conversation alive too.

If you are struggling, or worried about someone you love, support is available. Samaritans can be reached on 116 123, day or night. You can call NHS 111 and press 2 for mental health and suicide prevention support 24/7 for free. If a life is in danger or at risk, always call 999. Further support is available at batonofhopederbyshire.co.uk/support.