On Sunday, 7th September, Penrith will host a transformative community event as part of the national Baton of Hope tour, led locally by 32-year-old suicide survivor and community advocate, Megan. Through sport, storytelling, and connection, the Penrith mini-event will shine a light on suicide prevention and mental health support in Cumbria.
Baton of Hope is a growing movement aspiring to a zero-suicide society. It began with two fathers reaching out in their grief. Mike McCarthy and Steve Phillip first met on social media and recognised when they chatted over coffee that they were kindred spirits – each suffering unbearable loss. Despite their bereavement the men were determined to create hope for others facing the despair their sons had faced and they became passionate advocates for change in UK suicide prevention policy.
Having been invited to meet the then Health Secretary Sajid Javid MP in June 2022 and having briefed him on the vital actions needed across Government they were able to secure Mr. Javid’s endorsement and support for the Baton of Hope campaign.
The Baton of Hope movement have a vision of a society where suicide and suicide prevention are openly and widely discussed, where we inspire hope through action, where people are suitably supported, and where everyone plays their part in realising this vision.
As part of the nationwide baton of hope relay the baton will pass through Cumbria on the 7th of September and Penrith will play host to the relay as it makes it way through the county.
Suicide figures in Cumbria have been higher than the national average for well over a decade and Cumbria is too often overlooked as a county with our growing figures and restricted access to mental health services.
Cumbria now has the highest death by suicide rate in England and Wales.
The impact the Baton of Hope Tour will have on our county is significantly needed. The Cumbria organisers of the tour aim to bring together as many third sector organisations, businesses and individuals to highlight the army of support out there in Cumbria for those who struggle with their mental health and suicide, and for those bereaved by suicide.
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 Center up alomg KingStreet 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
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