Baton of Hope 2025
Northamptonshire Tour
In 2025 Kelly’s Heroes were proud to host the Baton of Hope across Northamptonshire.
As the UK’s biggest ever suicide prevention initiative, the Baton of Hope aims to spark a vital national conversation around mental health, challenge stigma, and drive real change. By carrying the Baton through communities across the country, we are helping to shine a light on hope, resilience, and the power of working together to save lives.
The Baton visited Corby, Kettering, Wellingborough, and Northampton on Saturday 20th September 2025 — uniting schools, organisations, supporters, and individuals who share one common goal: to create a future where fewer lives are lost to suicide.
We were very proud to represent Northamptonshire in this national movement and continue to advocate for change going forward.
Download Baton of Hope Programme 20th Setpember 2025
Who Are Our Baton Bearers?
Our Baton Bearers were inspirational individuals from across Northamptonshire who were selected for their courage, compassion, and commitment to making a difference.
Each person carried a powerful personal story or a passion for mental health advocacy, and together they represent the strength and hope within our communities. As they walked with the Baton, they shone a light on lived experience, recovery, and the belief that change is possible.
The Corby Leg
The Baton of Hope began its inspiring journey through Northamptonshire in Corby, a town rooted in strength, unity, and community pride. The day started at 7:30am, followed by opening speeches at 8:00am. The walk itself covered 1.9 miles of accessible, hard pathways from Corby Town Football Club through to the Boating Lake Park, ending at the Boating Lake Café by 9:00am.
This leg spotlighted vital community voices including Andy’s Man Club, local football teams (youth and adult), and a heartfelt thank you to the NHS. The lakeside finish offered a tranquil setting for reflection, with the Baton departing by 9:15am for the next stop in Kettering.
The Kettering Leg
The second leg started at Wicksteed Park. Arrivals begin from 9:15am, The walk took 1.5-mile loop around the beautiful lake and park grounds, finishing near the Pavilion and Memorial area by approximately 11:00am.
Here, we paused for reflection and remembrance, celebrating stories, memories, and young people through meaningful creative activities.
We had guests from the Sea Cadets, Jonny’s Happy Place, a spoken word artist, and possibly a local choir, ensuring a deeply personal and powerful community gathering.
The Baton then passed to our Kelly’s Heroes cyclists, ready to carry the message of hope onwards.
Wellingborough – Two-Part Journey of Unity
After an emotional send-off from Wicksteed Park, the Kelly’s Heroes Cyclists begin their leg of the journey at 11:00am, travelling 7 miles to Wellingborough Golf Club. Arriving at 11:45am, this stop offers a powerful reunion moment for the 12 cyclists returning from Gibraltar, joined by family, friends, and supporters. It’s a special pause for reflection, photos, and celebration before the next stage begins.
From the Golf Club, the Baton is transported by car to the Wellingborough Embankment, ready to begin a 35-minute journey by water, accompanied by Northamptonshire Search and Rescue.
Supported by SOBS bereavement groups, the Baton travels alongside the River Nene, capturing the spirit of remembrance and resilience.
The walk ends at Chester House Estate by 1:00pm, where a short speech and gathering brings the Wellingborough leg to a close by 1:15pm — a fitting tribute to hope, healing, and community.
Northampton – Standing Together in Strength
The final leg of the Northamptonshire Baton of Hope tour begins in Northampton, arriving at Sixfields Stadium at 3:00pm. With powerful symbolism, representatives from all emergency services — Fire, Police, and Ambulance — gather in solidarity to mark this closing chapter.
The Baton completes a walk around the stadium entrance, followed by a 15-minute speech to honour the journey so far. The final walk begins passing through Abington Park and culminating at the County Cricket Ground.
Arriving by 5:45pm, the event draws to a heartfelt close by 6:30pm — uniting communities in remembrance, resilience, and renewed hope for the future.
