'Hero' Lorry Driver Stops Under Motorway Bridge As Girl 'Was Going To Jump'

A lorry driver in Ireland has been hailed a hero after stopping under a motorway bridge as a girl 'was going to jump'.

On Friday, as commuters travelled to and from Dublin, a girl sat with her legs hanging over the edge of a motorway bridge on the N7 in Naas.

But while the majority of motorists drove on by, one truck driver decided to stop below her in a bid to stop her from jumping.

Keith Dunne

Keith Dunne, the witness who took the photo, described the driver as a 'hero'.

Speaking to the Irish Mirror, he said: "She was going to jump at Naas today but an Artic lorry stooped under her.

"Not all heroes wear capes, it's not a nice time of year to feel like you have to end your life, talk to someone, anybody please."

The driver was also praised for his actions on social media.

One person said: "What a fast thinking and very courageous lorry driver. Well done mate.

"Respect and prayers go out to you. You saved somebody's poor mum, sister, lover, wife, nan or auntie."

A second said: "Very sad times when you contemplate ending your life like this, let's hope she can get help. Also well done to the truck driver who probably saved her life."

A third added: "Well done to the driver, he has saved a life today. Hats off to him."

Awareness of mental health related problems is on the rise, yet many are still reluctant to reach out and ask for help.

There are all manner of reasons why someone might want to 'bottle up' these problems, but taking the first step and opening up to someone can make all the difference. If you don't feel comfortable talking to a friend or family member, then there are all sorts of helplines out there manned by trained listeners who could give you the support you need.

Here's a list of the leading mental health helplines and services that are just a call away in the UK:

- Samaritans are there 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and will talk to you about anything that's bothering you. You can call 116 123 (free from any phone), email [email protected] or visit some branches in person. You can also call the Welsh Language Line on 0300 123 3011 from 7pm to 11pm every day.

- SANEline will talk to you about your mental health, or the mental health of someone you're supporting on 0300 304 7000 from 4.30pm to 10.30pm every day.

- The Mix take calls from under 25s on 0808 808 4994 from Sunday to Friday, 2pm to 11pm. You can request support by email using the form on The Mix website or using their crisis text messenger service.

- Papyrus HOPELINEUK is there for under 35s struggling with suicidal feelings, or those who are concerned about a young person who might be struggling. You can call them on 0800 068 4141 on weekdays from 10am to 10pm, on weekends from 2pm to 10pm, and on bank holidays from 2pm to 10pm. You can also email [email protected] or text 07786 209 697.

- The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) caters specifically to males on 0800 58 58 58 from 5pm to midnight every day. Alternatively, you can use their webchat service.

- The Nightline website allows students to see if their university or college offers a night-time listening service. Nightline phone operators are all students too.

- Switchboard is there for people who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender and can be reached on 0300 330 0630 from 10am to 10pm every day. You can also email here or use their webchat service. Phone operators all identify as LGBT+.

- The Community Advice and Listening Line (C.A.L.L). is available for those who live in Wales and can be contacted on 0800 123 737, which is open 24/7. You can also text 'help' followed by a question to 81066.

UOKM8? is a campaign by LADbible, featuring films and stories that provide advice and inspiration on mental health. Explore more here and don't suffer in silence. Let's talk mental health.

Topics: Ireland, World News, Inspirational

Jake Massey

Jake Massey is a journalist at LADbible. He graduated from Newcastle University, where he learnt a bit about media and a lot about living without heating. After spending a few years in Australia and New Zealand, Jake secured a role at an obscure radio station in Norwich, inadvertently becoming a real-life Alan Partridge in the process. From there, Jake became a reporter at the Eastern Daily Press. Jake enjoys playing football, listening to music and writing about himself in the third person.

@jakesmassey