A new commemorative bench has now been installed at Thacka Beck Field, creating a lasting tribute to the Baton of Hope Tour 2025 and a welcoming place for reflection, connection and conversation.
The installation was approved by Penrith Town Council’s Communities Committee following a request from Baton of Hope holder Terri Hope, who wanted to create a lasting legacy in Penrith after the tour passed through the town in September 2025, while also dedicating the bench in memory of her brother, Gavin Hope.
The bench carries the inscription: “A Moment for You. Take a breath. Sit. Be kind to yourself – this bench is here for you. Dedicated in loving memory of Gavin Hope and The Baton of Hope Tour 2025. Raising awareness and hope around suicide prevention.”
As well as commemorating Penrith’s involvement in the national suicide prevention initiative, the bench has been created as a talking bench – a place where people can pause, sit with their thoughts, or share a conversation, helping to promote connection, kindness and hope.
Cllr Barbara Jayson, Chair of Communities Committee and Deputy Chair of Penrith Town Council, said:
“This bench creates a lasting tribute to Penrith’s involvement in the Baton of Hope Tour 2025 and to the important message behind it.
“We were pleased to approve its installation following Terri’s request, and I hope it will be a place that offers comfort, reflection and connection for many people in the years ahead.”
“It is a small but significant way of showing that hope, kindness and conversation matter.”
Terri Hope said:
“I’d like to thank Penrith Town Council, Lewis (Community Services Manager) in particular, for helping to create something lasting from the Baton of Hope’s National visit to Penrith. Gavin and I used to play in that field as children, which makes it especially meaningful to me that the bench is there in his memory.
“I hope it gives people a place to sit, take a breath, and perhaps start a conversation, and helps our community continue to raise awareness that there is hope, and that the world is a better place with you in it. For all those who have been taken from us too soon – this is for you.”
For more information about the Baton of Hope, please visit: https://thebatonofhope.org/
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