Maria Caulfield MP, the Minister for Mental Health, has welcomed the Baton of Hope to 10 Downing Street and presented a Points of Light award to the charity’s founder, Mike McCarthy.
The Baton of Hope relay, which has taken place across the UK, including Manchester, Bristol, Cardiff, and Brighton among other cities, saw people whose lives have been affected by suicide carrying the baton and ending in an “evening of hope” at Brighton Dome with speeches and music. Following this the Baton was taken to 10 Downing Street and was received by Maria Caulfield MP in her role as Minister for Mental Health.
Mike McCarthy founded Baton of Hope following the loss of his 31-year-old son Ross in February 2021 to campaign for better mental health support and has been recognised by the Prime Minister with a Points of Light award.
Maria Caulfield MP said “It was very moving to have the Baton of Hope relay visit 10 Downing Street as part of their relay across the country, raising awareness of suicide prevention.
“I was delighted to present Mike McCarthy with his Point of Light award on behalf of the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, for all of his work with Baton of Hope raising awareness of suicide prevention.”