THE founder of a charity that uses sport to help combat mental health issues was among the many bearers of the Baton of Hope as it paraded through Basingstoke.
Neil Harris, founder and CEO of Sport in Mind, proudly carried the Baton of Hope as it made its way through Basingstoke on Thursday, September 25.
The powerful event, which is the UK's largest suicide prevention initiative, united individuals and organisations who have supported people through their darkest moments.
Neil said: “Sport in Mind was born from a simple act of helping a friend through a tough time.
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"From that small beginning, we’ve now supported over 31,000 people with their mental health.
"Today, as I carry this Baton, I am reminded not only of how far we have come, but also of how far we still have to go.
"As the founder of Sport in Mind, I am proud every day of the thousands of individuals we’ve supported, the lives we’ve helped change, and in many cases, the lives we’ve helped save. Our work continues to grow, reaching more communities and offering hope through the power of sport and physical activity.”
The Baton of Hope aims to spark vital conversations, reduce stigma, and bring hope to those affected by mental ill-health and suicide. For Harris, the event holds a deeply personal resonance, closely tied to Sport in Mind’s own beginnings.
Founded in 2010, Sport in Mind has grown into the UK’s leading sport and mental health charity, working in partnership with the NHS to deliver programmes that use physical activity to improve mental wellbeing.
Every week, thousands of people benefit from sessions, building confidence, connection, and resilience through movement.
Mr Harris added: “This role also brings with it the weight of heartbreaking stories, of lives lost too soon, and families forever changed.
"The recent public tragedies have once again highlighted the urgent need to talk openly about suicide and mental health.
"Suicide is a difficult and painful topic, but it is one we must confront head-on. We, alongside every individual and organisation walking with us today, are committed to creating change.
"We are here to have the difficult conversations, to challenge stigma, and to offer hope to those who may be struggling to find it.”
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