Walking with Hope: Sister Carries Baton of Hope in Memory of Beloved Brother Gav

Terri Hope, Marketing Manager at Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors has been chosen as one of 57 individuals to carry the Baton of Hope during the Cumbrian leg of the 2025 national tour.

“It’s an incredible honour to carry the Baton of Hope through my hometown of Penrith,” said Terri. “I’ll be walking in memory of my brother, Gav Hope, who we lost to suicide in May last year. Gav’s loss shattered our world, and I’m still learning how to live with that pain.”

The Baton of Hope is the UK’s biggest suicide prevention initiative, culminating in a national tour hosted every two years. The tour aims to reduce suicide rates by raising awareness around suicide prevention, combatting stigma around mental health issues and connecting those whose lives have been affected by suicide.

For Terri, the symbolism of the Baton of Hope is especially poignant: “Hope is our family name. Carrying the baton feels like Gav will be right beside me, walking with me every step of the way.”

This year marks the first time Cumbria will host its own leg of the tour, beginning on Sunday, 7th September at the Sellafield Centre for Excellence in Cleator Moor. The baton will travel through Copeland before reaching Penrith, where Terri will join others carrying stories of loss, resilience, and remembrance. The tour then continues to Brunton Park in Carlisle concluding with a commemorative event at Carlisle Castle.

“Gav wasn’t just my brother – he was my friend,” Terri shared. “He was intelligent, witty and had a smile that could get him away with just about anything. But like so many, he fought silent battles. That’s something I’ll never come to terms with. What stays with me is the drive to make sure others feel seen, heard and supported.”

Later this month, Terri will also take part in Stride for Suicide, continuing her fundraising efforts for Every Life Matters.  To date, Terri has raised over £4,000 for the charity, thanks to the generous support of friends, family, and colleagues.

As Terri’s employer, Cartmell Shepherd has stood firmly behind Terri since the loss of her brother, offering personal support and actively contributing to the cause. In addition to donating, Cartmell Shepherd has sponsored several local charity events aimed at raising awareness and funds for suicide prevention.

“Having the backing of my workplace has meant so much,” Terri said. “It’s not just about donations, it’s about knowing that the people around you care and want to help make a difference.”

Terri continued: “We must break the silence around suicide and make sure people know where to turn when they need help and that help is there when they do. Whether it’s in schools, workplaces, or communities, we need to equip people with the tools to support themselves and each other.”

The statistics are stark with, on average, someone dying by suicide every five days in Cumbria. The region’s suicide rate is twice the national average, and Cumberland ranks among the top three areas in England and Wales for suicide deaths.

“These are not just numbers – they’re lives lost, families shattered, futures stolen. Suicide is a preventable death. We must act now to change the story.”

This Sunday, Terri will walk with the baton in a tribute to Gav and a message to others who may be silently struggling that you are not alone.

“On the day, I will be surrounded by memories of Gav and by others carrying their own stories. Together, we walk with hope.”

To learn more about the Cumbrian leg of the Baton of Hope Tour 2025 please visit – www.batonofhopecumbria.co.uk/

To support Terri’s fundraising please visit – www.justgiving.com/page/terri-baton-of-hope-tour-for-gavhope