Meet the Queen's Baton Bearers for Derby

Published: 8 July 2022

On Monday (11 July) Derby city centre and Moorways Sports Village will be transformed with a wash of colour and excitement as the Queen’s Baton Relay arrives for a tour of the city ahead of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

However, the baton can’t make its own way around the city so a team of baton bearers will help the baton make its journey from the start line to the finish line.

So, let us introduce you to our fantastic baton bearers!

Sam Perkins (Market Place to St James’s Street)

“Sport has always been an essential part of my life and has been transformative for me both before and after my diagnosis. Still being involved in such a prestigious Sporting event given my physical limitations is a massive honour which fills me with immense pride.”

Barry Jackson (St James’s Street to The Strand)

“Grandad was the first person to represent Birmingham in the Olympics back in 1960. He won silver in the Perth 1962 Commonwealth games in the 4x400 relay. Grandad is now the only living member of that 4x400 team and will bear the baton in memory of his teammates back in 1962.”

Mandy Turgoose (The Strand to Sadler Gate)

“I'm really excited and privileged to be a Baton bearer in The Queen’s Baton Relay and look forward to putting on the uniform to participate in Derby. This is an opportunity of a lifetime for me, given in recognition for the 22 years volunteering for Girlguiding within my local area, alongside my full-time work role at Reckitt. I am representing all the girls I have had the pleasure to lead within my Brownie unit, all my Girlguiding friends gained during the years of volunteering, work colleagues who nominated me, and of course my family who supports me in fulfilling the volunteer role.”

Abbie Breakwell (Sadler Gate to Iron Gate)

“I'm incredibly proud to of been nominated and selected to be a baton bearer. To play a small part in transporting the baton along our streets that's travelled the whole Commonwealth is just an amazing honour. I'm so excited to be a part of this event and can't wait. Please come and cheer us all on.”

Kuldip Rangi (Full Street to Cathedral Green)

“I am a local pharmacist – Derby born and Derby working for 25 years! I love servicing the community I was born in. I’m supportive and a carer for my community.”

Shabaz Arshad (Moorways Sports Village)

“I am very excited to be involved as a Baton Bearer; as this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for myself to represent my family and my community. As well as being able to meet some amazing community members who have also been nominated for this massive event.”

Residents, visitors and businesses are invited to join in the celebrations in the city centre which start at 4.00pm. More information about the event is available on our website.

Due to the baton relay, a number of roads in the city centre will be closed between 4.00pm and 4.30pm. Further details of road closures can be found on our website.

Visitors to the Queen’s Baton Relay are encouraged to use active and sustainable transport such as walking, cycling and public transport to reach the city centre.

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