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<\/a><\/p>\nAndy said: \u201cI\u2019m delighted to be supporting the Baton of Hope coming to Derby by putting on a Songs of Hope evening. <\/p>\n
“Mental health is something that\u2019s very close to my heart, and I\u2019m delighted to be involved. I hope lots of people come along and enjoy it.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Baton of Hope initiative was started in the UK two years ago by two grieving dads who lost their sons to suicide.<\/p>\n
The idea is that on each of its \u2018tours\u2019, the baton is held by those bereaved by suicide and passed on, much like the Olympic torch. <\/p>\n
It is being brought to Derby on September 13 by local lady Claire Goring, whose father Rob took his own life.<\/p>\n
The UK\u2019s largest-ever suicide prevention initiative, the \u2018baton\u2019 itself has been beautifully made by Thomas Lyte, goldsmiths and silversmiths to the late Queen Elizabeth II and makers of the Emirates FA Cup.<\/p>\n
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CHARITY EVENING: Claire Goring, husband Simon and daughter Ivy<\/p>\n
This year, the baton will travel around the UK, culminating in London on October 10, World Mental Health Day.<\/p>\n
In Derby, the baton\u2019s tour starts at Elvaston Castle where it is set to be transported to The University of Derby by hundreds of riders from the Mental Health Motorbike charity.<\/p>\n
There will be events throughout the day at points in the city including Cathedral Green, the cricket ground and Darley Park.<\/p>\n
Claire said bringing the Baton of Hope to Derby was a labour of love and she wanted to help raise awareness of suicide having been hugely affected by the death of her dad, Rob, who took his own life just before she turned 21.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy dad had been suffering,\u201d said Claire. \u201cHe had had a bad back and had been redeployed from work. He just felt like he was useless.\u201d<\/p>\n
On the fateful day, Claire remembered raising the alarm with her mum after not being able to get through to her dad on the phone. Rob was found to have taken his own life that same day.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe didn\u2019t feel like he could stay,\u201d said Claire. \u201cFor me, at that age, it was really difficult. I was very close to him so it was a huge loss and a real shock. I didn\u2019t expect it. I never thought he would do that.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Baton of Hope day brings together many organisations in the area which are working to support people with their mental health, including Derby County Community Trust.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt means a lot to me to organise the Baton of Hope in Derby and show people there are different ways of showing support,\u201d Claire went on.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor me, this is very personal. It\u2019s about my dad. I want to make him proud. For me, it means everything to bring all these amazing people together who all have done something to save lives and try and take away the stigma surrounding mental
health.\u201d<\/p>\n