The Baton:
The World’s First
Symbol of Hope
The Baton of Hope is unprecedented – its first tour in 2023 was, as its founders intended, the UK’s largest ever suicide-prevention initiative. As such, it deserves an icon that can serve as a unifying symbol for the campaign. We needed something that represented the desperately serious and highly-charged subject of suicide, while at the same time promoting the ocean of hope and optimism at the heart of the mission.
For an inspired and elegant solution to this challenge, The Baton of Hope organisers gratefully accepted an offer from Thomas Lyte, a Royal Warrant holder as goldsmiths and silversmiths to His Majesty the King Charles III, and makers of the Emirates FA Cup and other exquisite trophies.
The Story of The Baton of Hope
The Baton is not just a beautiful blend of precious metals. Nor is it simply a skilful piece of design craftsmanship. Its inherent value is its visual link with the vitally important objectives of The Baton of Hope movement.
The Baton is our symbol of hope, representing those affected by suicide as a powerful representation of why change needs to happen. A symbol for those working tirelessly to ensure suicide prevention and awareness is top of the agenda.
Thomas Lyte designed and handcrafted the Baton on behalf of The Baton of Hope, and kindly donated it to us in support of our mission to work towards a zero-suicide society. The Baton stands at an impressive 735mm in height, but only weighs 3.24kg to ensure those who hold and pass it can do so with ease. It has been made with precious metals with the Baton’s body adorned with silver and 24-carat gold plate.
Everything about the design is directional, pointing upwards from the foot to the top of the Baton. This represents a journey of hope – of moving bravely away from the darkness of despair and, with encouragement and support, discovering a way into the light and a brighter future.
Find out more about each design element of the Baton and what it represents.
Where Has The Baton Been?
As our main symbol of hope, The Baton of Hope team have taken the Baton across the UK as part of our biennial nationwide Tours in the last three years to communities who are working hard to make suicide prevention and awareness as a top priority in their local areas.
The Baton has appeared on national TV, has been displayed in The Houses of Parliament and has visiting numerous organisations, charities and other locations up and down the country as part of our ongoing efforts to Stand up to Suicide. It has travelled by tractor, fire engine, lifeboat, canal barge, air ambulance, Royal Mail van, ferry, police car and a household cavalry just to name a few of the modes of transportation.
Take a look at our gallery below to see some of the places the Baton has visited.
Locations
About Thomas Lyte: Designers & Makers of The Baton
Thomas Lyte is a Royal Warrant holder as goldsmiths and silversmiths to His Majesty the King Charles III. They are passionate about bold design in precious metals, and specialise in custom commissions for both private clients and leading organisations, boasting unmatched credentials in the world of sport and international elite sporting trophies. They are responsible for some of the world’s most iconic trophies, including the Emirates FA Cup, the Rugby World Cup, the ATP Finals Trophies, and golf’s Ryder Cup.
Kevin Baker, Thomas Lyte’s CEO, was approached by a shared connection with Mike McCarthy who explained The Baton of Hope’s mission. He described the charity’s need for a symbol – a physical baton that can represent the movement’s core values, and the community’s responsibility to support those who are struggling with their mental health and considering taking their own life.
Baker said: “I fervently believe that The Baton of Hope will become a lasting symbol; representing what we can achieve if we come together with purpose, and recognise there can be a better way.”