A Leeds man had to choose between helping his family or saving the life of a stranger seconds before a woman jumped to her death.
Adam Jalil, 20, was on his way to the Leeds General Infirmary, metres ahead of an ambulance carrying his 17-year-old brother, who had been involved in a pedal-bike incident. Unsure of his little brother's injuries, Adam was planning to rendezvous with his family at the hospital.
While driving across the A58, towards the city centre bound on Wednesday, June 17, Adam spotted a woman dangling over the other side of the railing. Keys still in the ignition, Adam did not hesitate to stop the car despite his brother being behind him. He raced out of the car, and wrapped his hands around her waist.
Adam said: “I was first on the scene and immediately grabbed her. I was holding onto her for over an hour whilst I waited for another round of emergency services to arrive. I was screaming for help and eventually the team came.
“I just kept telling her that everything was going to be okay and that she didn’t have to do anything. Passers-by started to do the same as well.”
Meanwhile, the ambulance with his brother was able to drive around Adam’s car and get his brother into A&E. Another service came to help and together, the woman was safely escorted from the bridge.
Adam explained that after his experience, he wants to draw attention to people suffering with poor mental health: “I really didn’t do it to be some ‘hero’ - there was nothing else in my mind other than I needed to save her or she would die. The reason I’m speaking out is not for recognition, but to raise awareness of the escalating mental health crisis we are facing.
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“Too many lives have already been lost, and the effects ripple far beyond the individual, devastating families and communities.”
Luckily, Adam's brother is recovering from internal bleeding in hospital. The woman was escorted to safety by West Yorkshire Police officers. The force has been contacted for more information.
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