TL;DR: Dean Griffin, known as the Travelling Veteran, will carry the Baton of Hope through Corby on 20th September to raise awareness of veterans’ mental health and suicide prevention. He invites fellow veterans and supporters to walk alongside him.
At Beacon Alert, we are proud to support the veteran community, and most importantly, those members requiring support when missing and at risk. One of the perks of having such a large and engaged following is that we get sent lots of messages from veterans who have been in low places and have changed the narrative. A few weeks ago we launched “Hero Highlights“, to share those stories with you, as well as identifying opportunities where we can support veterans further.
Today, we highlight Dean Griffin, also known online as Travelling Veteran, whose journey of resilience and purpose is inspiring thousands.
From Iraq to Inspiration
Dean served in the British Army and was deployed to Iraq in 2003. After being medically discharged with combat-related PTSD, he faced a long and difficult struggle with his mental health. Sleepless nights, anxiety, and the loss of career prospects left him in a dark place.
But Dean refused to give up. Step by step, he rebuilt his life. Retraining as an electrician, he launched his own business, and began finding new purpose in helping others. Today, he uses his social media platforms to mentor veterans and civilians alike, reaching those who may feel too isolated to seek support face-to-face.
“You can have the best doctors in the world. You can have the best medicine in the world. But the one thing that can help you more than all of that… is you.” – Dean Griffin
Carrying the Baton of Hope
On 20th September 2025, Dean will carry the Baton of Hope through Corby, Northamptonshire, standing alongside veterans and supporters to raise awareness of mental health challenges and suicide prevention.
The Baton of Hope is the UK’s largest-ever suicide prevention initiative. Designed by Thomas Lyte — goldsmiths to King Charles III and makers of the FA Cup — the Baton symbolises strength, community, and the choice to continue life’s journey with hope. Its upward design, golden spirals, and semi-colon top remind us that despite what you’re going through, the story isn’t over.
Dean’s carry begins at Medina Park, Corby, at 8:44am, finishing at Dryden Way/Willowbrook Road at 8:51am, as part of a wider route from Corby Town Football Club (8:15am) to Corby Central Park (9:15am).
Dean hopes to speak aloud the names of as many service personnel as possible who have tragically taken their own lives, honouring their memory, while sending a message of hope to the living. If there is someone you’d like him to honour on his route, please comment below.
Standing Together
Dean has dedicated much of his life to charity work, from volunteering with The Royal British Legion and Andy’s Man Club to mentoring others through his Travelling Veteran channels. This year, he has also been recognised as a Finalist in the English Veterans Awards – Inspiration of the Year.
Now, he’s asking for the veteran community to stand with him. If you’re able to join Dean in Corby on the 20th, your presence will mean the world. Together, we can show that no veteran walks alone.
Follow and Support Dean, Travelling Veteran
Stay connected with Dean’s journey and the work he is doing to support others:
About Hero Highlights: Beacon Alert Hero Highlights exists to celebrate the veterans who inspire hope, resilience, and solidarity. Dean’s story reminds us all that even in the darkest times, there is light ahead — and together, we can carry it forward.