Lucas baton bearer

Hello, my name is Lucas, and I work for NL MIND in Scunthorpe.

In January 2024, I started my role at NL MIND after being bullied out of my previous job due to my transition from female to male. This experience left me feeling ashamed of who I was, afraid to be my true self in the workplace. But at NL MIND, I found acceptance, encouragement, and the strength to embrace my authenticity. Now, I use my experiences to support others, proving that our struggles can become our greatest strengths.

Why I Want to Carry the Baton

I came out as transgender in 2017 and, in doing so, lost many friends and family members. There were times when I struggled to keep going, painting on a smile while silently battling my own mental health challenges. At my lowest point, I nearly lost all hope—but with the support of friends and a newfound belief in myself, I emerged from the darkness.

Now, I dedicate my life to uplifting others, carrying hope for those who cannot hold it themselves. I’ve been told I bring light to a room, and fittingly, I recently learned that the name Lucas means “bringer of light.” This is exactly what I strive to be: someone who spreads positivity, champions those who feel unheard, and challenges the stigma around mental health, gender identity and suicide.

Being chosen as a Baton of Hope carrier would be an immense honor. It would allow me to stand as a symbol of resilience, to show others—especially those who feel lost or alone—that no matter what they face, hope is never out of reach.

I have overcome so much, but I never gave up. I want to continue making a difference, breaking barriers, and proving that no one should ever feel ashamed of who they are and that suicide is something we need to talk about more openly, with knowledge, understanding and empathy. If given the chance, I would carry this baton with pride, for myself, for those who have supported me, and for those still searching for their own light and for those who may have lost hope and their lives to suicide, stigma and difficulties with mental ill health.