A group of kind strangers stepped in to help save the life of a man on a Sunderland bridge.
Anthony Gibson, Charmette Rogers, and David and Jacqueline Barkel were travelling across the Wearmouth Bridge shortly after 1pm on September 24 when each of them happened to spot a distressed man who appeared to be on the wrong side of the railings.
They called the police and, while they waited for emergency crews to arrive, Anthony, Charmette, David and Jaqueline – who had parked their cars safely nearby - decided they couldn’t leave the man alone.
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The group decided to cautiously approach the lone man and start to engage in conversation with him. When officers arrived, they helped the group bring the man to safety.
Thanks to the patience and empathy of the group of kind strangers, the man was able to be brought to safety and support was arranged for him.
Last week, a police officer formally praised each of them for going above and beyond – and awarded them with a Commander’s Compliment certificate for their efforts.
Chief Superintendent Barrie Joisce, of Northumbria Police, said: “Though officers were just minutes away, we know that every second counts in a situation like this. Anthony, Charmette, David and Jacqueline showed true compassion and remained calm throughout what would have been a new experience for them all.
“It was thanks to their sensible approach, outstanding communication skills and quick-thinking that the man engaged with them and was brought to safety. I am full of praise for everyone involved who demonstrated such empathy and selflessness in a time of need for someone they did not know.
He added: “Though it’s not always appropriate for a member of the public to intervene in an incident like this, a stranger’s kindness can mean the world to someone during a vulnerable moment, and these very kind strangers did absolutely the right thing. Thank you for the kindness you were able to show a person who needed help in that moment.”
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