A heroic lorry driver "saved a life" after grabbing onto the chest of a stranger on a bridge.
Kieran Walsh, 23, from Wallasey, was travelling on the M1 when he saw a man walking towards a bridge. Kieran said he looped around in his vehicle to check the man was okay, and saw him "leaning over" the bridge.
At this point he stopped alongside the man to ask him if he was okay, but didn't get a response.
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Kieran said: “I put on my high-vis jacket, turned off the engine and walked to him. I tried not to make him panic or worried, and told him I was going to call the office just so they knew where I was, but stepped away to actually call the police.
“At this point, he started to try to climb the barrier. I grabbed him with an arm around his chest, holding him very tightly, with my phone in my other hand as I spoke to the emergency operator."
Kieran said another member of the public, who was driving past at the time, also stopped to help, while he stayed on the phone to police.
Now Kieran, who works for Kinaxia Logistics, has been recognised by his company with a new "moments that matter" award. The accolade was presented to him by Richard Smith, Kinaxia’s group managing director for its primary sector business, and Michael Spence, managing director of Kinaxia company Mark Thompson Transport, which is part of the primary division.
The citation on Kieran’s certificate says: “For stopping and helping someone when they needed it the most. You literally made a life-changing decision. Everyone at Kinaxia is so proud of you”.
Kieran said: “I hope he is okay. I just felt it was the right thing to do. My mum has always told me to be the best person I can, and someone needed help. I didn’t think about myself.
“Everyone has kept saying that I’m a hero, but I don’t see it that way. I was lucky to be there when I was. I’m also extremely grateful to the other driver. I didn’t get his details at the time, but would like to thank him for stopping to help.”
Helplines and support groups
The NHS Choices website lists the following helplines and support networks for people to talk to.
- Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you're feeling, or if you're worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org.
- Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won't show up on your phone bill.
- PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is an organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
- Mind (0300 123 3393) is a charity based in England providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
- Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts.
- Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying.
Young Persons Advisory Service provides mental health and emotional wellbeing services for Liverpool’s children, young people and families. tel: 0151 707 1025 email: support@ypas.org.uk
British Red Cross offers a free and confidential coronavirus support line on 0808 196 3651 which offers callers the opportunity to speak to a friendly volunteer for a chat if they are lonely, worried or need practical support, 7 days a week from 10am to 6pm, or email supportline@redcross.org.uk
Richard Smith said: “We are humbled by the actions that Kieran took to assist someone when they were most in need. It would have been very easy to just drive past and not give a second thought, but Kieran showed the foresight and humanity to turn his vehicle around and see if this member of public was okay.
“Through his actions, he undoubtedly made a difference and saved a life. Everyone at Kinaxia Logistics is very proud of Kieran – he is a role model for all the drivers in our business.”
A spokesman for South Yorkshire Police said: "Police were called at 1.07am on Tuesday 11 April by a member of the public reporting concerns for the welfare of an individual at a roundabout over the M1. Upon officer arrival, the individual was brought to a place of safety. Nobody was injured during the incident."
When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.
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