Blades Support #BatonofHopeUK

The Baton of Hope UK is touring cities across the UK and today, Wednesday 28th June, the Baton took on its tour of Sheffield. The Baton’s journey started at Hillsborough Stadium and visited various locations on its route including Weston Park Hospital and the Olympic Legacy Park before arriving at Bramall Lane mid-afternoon.

Sheffield United club legend Tony Currie welcomed the Baton of Hope to the Lane, carrying it to pitch side where it was greeted by club and Foundation staff, community partners and pupils from Porter Croft Primary School.

Katie Glossop, Senior Manager at Sheffield United Community Foundation, welcomed visiting guests to the Lane and introduced Mike McCarthy, one of the founders of the Baton of Hope UK.

Visitors and colleagues took the opportunity to have photos with the Baton before Sheffield United’s Rhys Norrington-Davies handed the Baton to Talk Club Community Champions Marek, John and Tom. They walked the Baton around the pitch accompanied by visitors before it was passed on to the next Baton bearer on its journey towards Tudor Square.

Reflecting on the Baton’s visit, Katie said: “Welcoming the Baton to Bramall Lane was fantastic and the Foundation is committed to supporting a zero-suicide society and raising awareness of mental health support.

It has been an honour to work with Mike over the last two years and support the Baton of Hope campaign. Mike was instrumental in helping the Foundation set up the first Men’s Talk Club in Sheffield which takes place every Wednesday evening, 6-8pm at Bramall Lane in the Blades Family Hub (John Street).

We will continue to support the Baton of Hope campaign and work to provide accessible opportunities across the city alongside partners to help our communities through our mental health support programmes.”

For more information about the Foundation’s mental health support programmes, please click here or email health@sufc-community.co.uk.