WARNING: CONTAINS REFERENCES TO SUICIDE: Train driver Dave stopped the engine he was driving, jumped down and spoke to the desperate young woman telling her everything he wished he’d been able to say to others he never got the chance to speak to
WARNING: CONTAINS REFERENCES TO SUICIDE: If you or a loved one needs help call 999 in an emergency. Otherwise call, Samaritans on 116 123 (manned 24/7)
It was a day like any other but for some reason Charlotte Lay just ‘didn’t feel right’. Setting off for work as usual she headed for her train ride.
But it was a day which was to change her life. She’d struggled with her mental health for years as a result of an abusive relationship as a teenager but on this day it was different.
And when she got off the train she felt everything was too much and rather than head from the station she went onto the track hoping to end it all. It was an impulsive decision which could have ended so differently if the approaching train driver had not stopped in time.
But fortunately for Charlotte not only did driver Dave stop but he jumped from his cab and spoke to her until she was ready for help. Now Charlotte is telling her story in the hope of helping others to know that they’re not alone, and how much impact kindness can have on someone who is struggling..
Charlotte told how the day in 2019 unfolded. Aside from her mental health issues from the trauma in her youth he 33-year-old from Bradford was also diagnosed with major depressive disorder, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and borderline personality disorder.
She said: “On the day of my suicide attempt, I don’t know exactly what triggered it, but it was an impulsive decision. I had my uniform on, fully prepared for work but something just didn’t feel right.
“When I got off the train I just sat down on the platform. The conductor asked if I was okay and I said yes. Sensing something was off he asked again if I was sure and I said yes and the train drove away.”
She said it was then she made the “impulsive decision” to go onto the tracks. She said:”I’m unsure who raised the alarm about my presence but when the next train came, it slowed and stopped far from me.”
Charlotte was approached by the driver of the train, Dave, who sat with her and spoke to her for half an hour. She said: “The conversation from what I can remember was just about mundane things and about both our lives, but it was enough to break the crisis. Life didn’t feel as heavy anymore.”
After giving Charlotte the space she needed, Dave was able to get her to the next platform safely. She was then met by the police and signposted to local mental health services.
She said: “The next day I made it my mission to find the man who had been so kind to me. Through Facebook and some colleagues of his, I found him.
“Now he’s my husband. We got married whilst I was 22 weeks pregnant!”
Dave’s actions on that day saved Charlotte’s life. “I once asked him if he’d ever had any de-escalation training, because he was brilliant that day. He told me he hadn’t. He said he’d simply said all the things he wished he could’ve said to others before me, people he never got the chance to speak to.
“I hope that by sharing my story, people will realise that although it would be ideal if we all had specialist training to deal with a mental health crisis, we are all capable of helping by being empathic and present.
“I’m still receiving support for my mental health now, and I think I always will. But I’m so grateful to Dave for stopping that day and being so patient and understanding.”
West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership is committed to reducing suicide rates across the region, aiming for a minimum 10% reduction over the next 5 years. They are calling on everyone to: