Each year, around 60 people in Northamptonshire take their own life – a devastating loss felt across families, friends, and communities. Raising awareness and breaking down stigma around suicide is key to saving lives, which is why the Baton of Hope will visit the county on Saturday 20 September 2025, as part of its nationwide tour.

The Baton of Hope Tour is the UK’s biggest suicide prevention initiative, travelling to 20 locations across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland this autumn. Following the great success of its inaugural tour in 2023, the 2025 programme will be even bigger – uniting more communities, with new stop locations, strengthened partnerships, celebrity involvement, and activities designed to share a vital life-saving message.

At the heart of the tour is a striking gold and silver baton, symbolising mental wellbeing. It will be carried by bereaved families, suicide survivors and supporters to highlight the need for change, offer hope, and campaign for practical improvements in suicide prevention.

Northamptonshire Baton of Hope – Saturday 20 September 2025

The Baton will visit Corby, Kettering, Wellingborough, and Northampton, uniting schools, organisations, charities, and residents who share a single goal: to create a future where fewer lives are lost to suicide.

  • Corby Walk (8:00–9:00am)
    Opening speeches at Corby Town Football Club, followed by a 1.9-mile walk to the Boating Lake Park. Featuring Andy’s Man Club, local football teams, and a special thank you to the NHS.

  • Kettering Walk (9:45–11:00am)
    A 1.5-mile loop around Wicksteed Park, finishing with reflection and remembrance near the Pavilion. Guests include the Sea Cadets, Jonny’s Happy Place, a spoken word artist, and a local choir.

  • Wellingborough Walk (11:00am–1:00pm)
    Beginning with Kelly’s Heroes Cyclists at Wellingborough Golf Club, before a river journey with Northamptonshire Search and Rescue. The walk concludes at Chester House Estate with a short gathering supported by SOBS bereavement groups.

  • Northampton Walk (3:00–6:30pm)
    Starting at Sixfields Stadium, where all emergency services will gather in solidarity. The Baton will continue through Abington Park before concluding at the County Cricket Ground with closing speeches.

Full Northamptonshire schedule and timings: kellysheroes.org.uk/boh

Organisers & Partners

The Northamptonshire leg of the tour is being led by Kelly’s Heroes, a Wellingborough-based charity dedicated to mental health and suicide prevention. Founded by John, Rachael, and Amy Hewitt in memory of Kelly Hewitt, who died by suicide in 2018 aged 24, the charity delivers projects offering support and raising awareness. More information: kellysheroes.org.uk

Why It Matters

Suicide remains the biggest killer of men under 50 and women under 35 in the UK, and yet many people who die by suicide have had little or no contact with mental health services. The Baton of Hope Tour shines a light on this urgent issue, bringing communities together to share stories, celebrate resilience, and offer hope for the future.

Residents across Northamptonshire are invited to walk, watch, or simply show support along the route. This is a chance for the county to come together, honour those lost, and commit to building a society where suicide is no longer a leading cause of death.