The Baton of Hope came to Conquest Hospital on Tuesday, carried proudly by our two baton bearers, Mark Fincher, and Gillian Grattan.
Gillian Grattan, Jenny Darwood, Mark Fincher and Paul Smith
“What really shone through for me was the love, solidarity, allyship and shared hope for change that could be seen in everyone’s faces,” said Mark who is an Advanced Practitioner in training (Physiotherapist) Urgent Community Response and Virtual Wards. “The support from colleagues and friends was truly incredible and I want to thank each and every one of them for standing with us as baton bearers.
“I’ve lived with depression since childhood, though I was first diagnosed in 2005. In 2010, after a particularly difficult period, I began planning to end my life and engaged in passive suicidal behaviour. Thankfully, my now wife was my protective factor, but at that time, I had a plan.
“Since then, I’ve continued to experience intrusive suicidal thoughts, sometimes constantly, which can be very distracting. It’s taken time to learn how to live with this, but it has given me a unique perspective. I try to share my story when appropriate, so others know they’re not alone, that support is available, and that help is out there. By speaking openly, I also hope to challenge some of the stigma around men’s mental health.
“I was honoured to be a baton bearer, and I can’t help but feel that this is the beginning of something powerful, something that has the potential to grow into lasting change.”
Baton bearer Mark Fincher carries the baton through Conquest Hospital
The Baton of Hope is the UK’s largest suicide prevention initiative, aiming to create a zero-suicide society by encouraging open dialogue and challenging the stigma that still surrounds mental health and suicide. Every stop on the tour was a chance to remind people that they are not alone, and that help is always available. We were thrilled to be selected as one of the stops on the route.
Gillian, who is a Matron’s Assistant on MacDonald Ward continued: “I wanted to be part of the Baton of Hope to show my support for my brother-in-law and sister-in-law, after experiencing the devastation caused when my nephew committed suicide 15 years ago.
“We have a large, extended and close-knit family, but none of us had any idea that Stuart was struggling. Each and every one of us wishes that he had been able to speak up.
“I also have several close friends who have been affected by suicide and have shared their grief over the loss of their loved ones.
“Nobody should feel that they have nowhere to turn to seek help when they are struggling and it was a privilege to help raise awareness of the great deal of support available.”
Baton bearers Gillian Grattan and Mark Fincher
More than 75 people joined the baton bearers on the route, creating a strong sense of community and shared purpose. As the baton was passed from Mark to Gillian, Jenny Darwood, Director of People, gave a short speech to the gathered crowd.
“As [the baton] travels the country, it carries with it powerful stories of loss, resilience and hope, encouraging open dialogue and challenging the stigma surrounding suicide,” said Jenny. “Whether you’ve been personally affected by suicide or not, today is about all of us, standing together with empathy and courage.
“Suicide is often shrouded in silence, yet it touches countless lives. That silence can be isolating. Today, we choose to speak openly, because connection saves lives.”
You can read Jenny’s full speech at the bottom of this page.
Paul Smith, Deputy Chief Nurse, also attended the event in support of our baton bearers. He said: “It was a privilege to meet our baton bearers and to talk to colleagues and members of the public who have had experience with the distressing issue of suicide, either personally or through their professional lives.
“Events like this are step towards a more open conversation about mental health and the pressures that so many people face, and an acknowledgment of the vital role that we and our partners at SPFT play in supporting people who are struggling.”
We are committed to ensuring that the conversation about mental health and suicide prevention continues through upcoming events, workshops and wellbeing initiatives.
Stacey Bolingbroke, People Wellbeing and Engagement Manager, said: “We are so grateful to everyone who attended and supported. Your kind messages, presence and encouragement highlighted the importance of talking openly about suicide and was a heartfelt beginning to that conversation.
“A huge thank you to Gillian Gratton and Mark Fincher who did us proud. Without you, this event simply wouldn’t have been possible.”
Let’s stand together, listen deeply, and pass on hope. Together, we can keep hope alive and make a lasting difference.
Full speech from Jenny Darwood, Director of People:
Thank you for being here today. We are honoured to take part in the Baton of Hope, the UK’s largest suicide prevention initiative.
As it travels the country, it carries with it powerful stories of loss, resilience, and hope, encouraging open dialogue and challenging the stigma surrounding suicide.
Whether you’ve been personally affected by suicide or not, today is about all of us, standing together with empathy and courage. Suicide is often shrouded in silence, yet it touches countless lives. That silence can be isolating. Today, we choose to speak openly, because connection saves lives.
We are here because every life matters. Every story matters. And everyone deserves support. Talking about mental health is not a weakness, it’s a step toward healing. Suicide prevention begins with openness and shared responsibility.
At East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, our commitment extends to both our patients and our people. We recognise that those who care for others often carry unseen burdens. That’s why we prioritise staff wellbeing, not as a benefit, but as a necessity.
We offer a wide range of support: restorative supervision, one-to-one conversations, wellbeing training, peer support, trauma and risk management, and more. These are not just services—they are lifelines. I encourage anyone who is struggling to reach out. You are not alone.
We also acknowledge our colleagues from Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust who are here today, and we recognise the support services they provide for their teams as well.
Preventing suicide is not only about responding to crisis, it’s about creating a culture where people feel safe, valued, and supported long before they reach a breaking point.
That’s why we are proud to stand with the Baton of Hope. It reminds us to listen, to act, and to stand together.
A special thank you to our baton bearers, Mark and Gillian, for your participation and support. And thank you to all of you for showing up today, rain or shine, to support this vital cause.
Before I close, I want to remind you: asking for help is an act of strength. Taking care of your wellbeing is not selfish, it’s essential. In the NHS, we give so much to others. Let’s not forget to extend that same compassion to ourselves.
Please, look out for one another. Support your colleagues. And most importantly, take care of yourself.
Together, we are building a stronger, healthier community. Today, we join voices with others across the UK to say: we see you, we hear you, and we are here for you.
Let this be more than a moment let it be a movement.