TT fans urged to talk about suicide as part of Britain's biggest prevention initiative

Baton of Hope will visit the Isle of Man during race week

It's hoped an initiative designed to be the biggest suicide awareness and prevention campaign in the British Isles will see TT fans talk more openly about the subject.

Baton of Hope was set up by former BBC and Sky News journalist Mike McCarthy after he lost his son Ross to suicide in February 2021.

He now spends his time honouring Ross's final request - to campaign for better mental health support.

The initiative will see a baton travel around 12 cities in the UK to encourage people to discuss the issue more openly.

Before the tour it will come to the Island during TT week with the hope that it will spark conversation about the issue among those attending the races.

As well as being on the stage in the TT fan park, the baton will be on the startline for one of the races.

The announcement comes as Tynwald is due to discuss the government's suicide prevention strategy next week.

The baton's tour will end in Westminster with Mike hoping this will serve as a reminder to UK legislators to tackle the subject. 

He believes the Island's approach could be an example to the UK:

Baton of Hope included the Isle of Man and the TT in its plans after linking up with Manx group Bereaved Survivors of Suicide Isle of Man.

Dave Higson set the group up following the loss of his son Martin to suicide in 2018.

With men making up the majority of those who die as a result of suicide, Dave explains why including TT fans in particular could be a hugely beneficial: