The Baton of Hope, a powerful UK-wide campaign to raise awareness of suicide and encourage life-saving conversations around mental health, will travel through Cumbria on Sunday, (7th September) including an event in Penrith with the Baton carried through Penrith on Sunday afternoon. the baton will travel along the A66 from West Cumbria, to Penrith before continuing to Carlisle.
From 12pm to 4pm, Penrith Leisure Centre will host a community event to mark the baton’s arrival, with local organisations and support services coming together to offer advice, share stories, and provide information to residents about mental health and wellbeing.
Councillor Patricia Bell, Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Care at Westmorland and Furness Council, said: “The Baton of Hope brings a vital message – that it’s okay to talk about suicide. By talking openly and listening without judgment, and supporting each other, we can offer hope to those who are struggling. We also want to make sure that people know that help is available. The Baton of Hope is a powerful symbol of unity, remembrance and action in the fight against suicide.
“This is a chance for us all to come together, support one another, and ensure no one suffers in silence.
“We’re proud to be supporting this important event and we extend our thanks to the organisers and volunteers who have worked so hard to make this event possible.”
This symbolic baton will be carried by around 50 individuals through Cumbria each one with a story, a purpose, and a shared commitment to breaking the silence around suicide.
Everyone is invited to come out and support the Baton of Hope as it passes through Penrith to cheer on the baton carriers, as well as attend the event at Penrith Leisure centre and most importantly — be part of the conversation.
The Baton of Hope tour, locally in Penrith will be led by 32-year-old suicide survivor and community advocate, Megan.
Megan’s journey is one of profound strength. From surviving a suicide attempt at age 22 to overcoming years of chronic pain and emotional trauma—including fibromyalgia, endometriosis, and a history of abuse—she found healing through specialist care, grassroots support, and unwavering perseverance. She now channels her experience into empowering others and creating inclusive spaces for recovery and belonging.
“My involvement goes beyond carrying the Baton,” Megan shares. “It’s about being a real-life representation that even in silence and darkness, hope can flicker—and grow.”
Her leadership of the Penrith event will feature inclusive sports activities, wellness engagement, and community connections that celebrate resilience and recovery. Megan is also the founder of Penrith Pumas Wheelchair Rugby Club, the only club of its kind in Cumbria. The team champions inclusivity in competitive sport, offering disabled and non-disabled players the chance to experience the thrill of Paralympic-level wheelchair rugby.
Through the Baton of Hope and her ongoing advocacy, Megan aims to spark crucial conversations, honor lives lost, and remind others that healing is possible—with time, patience, and support.
The baton will as part of the days events travel from Penrith and onto Carlisle with the baton carried though Penrith from the leisure Centre up along King Street through Devonshire Street, Middlegate and out onto Scotland Road on it journey North to Carlisle. The expected Baton arrival time in Penrith at the leisure centre is 2:05pm and the Baton departure time is 2:35pm
Event Details:
Location: Penrith Leisure Centre
Date: 7th September | 12noon - 4pm
For details of the route and local events visit the Baton of Hope Cumbria website.
The Baton of Hope tour aims to challenge stigma, improve signposting to help, and influence policy across all sectors.
If you or someone you know is struggling you can contact:
Samaritans: 116 123 (free, 24/7)
PAPYRUS HOPELINE247 (For children and young people under the age of 35 ): 0800 068 41 41
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