A lorry driver on the M62 has been hailed as a hero after he parked his vehicle under a motorway bridge where a man was threatening to jump.
Images have emerged today of the scene, which occurred just outside Leeds, depicting a man who had climbed over the railings of a bridge on the trans-Pennine motorway.
Sat crossed legged gazing down upon the carriageway, he looked forlorn and hopeless.
Spotting this driving along, the lorry driver was quick to move their truck onto the hard shoulder and park it directly underneath the man to stop him from jumping - or at least to make the drop shorter if they did.
They then left it there until the man was safely led off the bridge by escorts.
Since then, the image has been shared online multiple times gaining the driver mountains of praise from the local community.
Comments have poured in on social media, with one person saying: "Well done to that lorry driver. hope the person on the bridge gets the help they need."
Another added: "Trucker is a good human and deserves the utmost respect."
A third said: "Fantastic lorry driver he needs a medal. Poor man, hope he gets the help he needs."
Vulnerable Citizen Support Leeds shared the post, saying: "IT'S OKAY NOT TO BE OKAY.
"This is a picture from the M62 Motorway Bridge - a passerby has posted it to raise awareness of the situation at hand.
"What people don't understand is that to jump on the other side of any bridge - indicates something drastically wrong with their mental health. But what's next...?
"I have family who have been at this point before and still had to wait a week for an appointment when she found herself on top of a bridge - this post is to raise awareness that - IT'S OKAY NOT TO BE OKAY - and you can or should speak out.
"What a trucker - stopping on the hard shoulder and leaving his truck there - to ensure when he did jump - it wasn't a longer distance to the floor."
If you or anyone you know is struggling right now, please know that you are never alone and there are many different places you can reach out to for support right here in Greater Manchester.
These include:
The Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust – The local NHS helpline is open 24/7 which you can call any time, day or night, if you feel your mental health is beginning to suffer: 0800 953 0285.
Andy’s Man Club – A group dedicated to starting conversations about mental health, assuring people that it’s ok to talk. You can contact them by email on: info@andysmanclub.co.uk.
CALM – The Campaign Against Living Miserably supports people via phone and webchat. You can call 0800 58 58 58 or speak to a support worker online. Open 5pm to midnight.
Samaritans – The Manchester & Salford Samaritans offer emotional support by telephone and email. The phone lines and email support are available 24/7. Call 116 123 or visit the website.
Featured Image – Vulnerable Citizen Support Leeds
Leeds
A popular Caribbean street food restaurant is coming to Leeds this spring
Get ready to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean as Jerk Junction is gearing up to open in Leeds.
The street food favourite has made waves in the foodie scene over in Manchester and Liverpool, so it's only right that its making its way into Trinity Kitchen.
Jerk Junction specialises in authentic Caribbean flavours, from dumplings and jerk chicken to curried goat and rice and peas, it's all flame-grilled and packed with island spices.
It is expected to open this spring.
Image: The Manc Group
Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, said: “We’re so excited to be welcoming Jerk Junction to Trinity Kitchen and we’re sure it will prove very popular. Bringing an authentic Caribbean flavour to Leeds, it’s the perfect new addition and complements our already stellar line-up of street food vendors.”
Jake Shaffi, founder at Jerk Junction, said: “Jerk Junction is all about real Caribbean food and culture. Everything we do is rooted in Jamaican tradition, from bold spices and authentic cooking to dishes that bring people together.
“For us, food is family. From our kitchen to every person who comes to our counter, we want people to feel the warmth, the energy and the spirit of the islands. We can’t wait to bring those authentic flavours and good vibes to Trinity Kitchen.”
The announcement follows news that the UK’s largest independent boutique bowling brand Lane7, and footwear retailers schuh and Footasylum, would be opening at Trinity Leeds later this year, whilst the LEGO Store will be relocating to a larger space within the shopping centre.
Posting to their social media, The Maven said: "When news broke The Maven could close its doors at the end of March, the reaction across the city was immediate. The response from customers, bartenders, and hospitality operators showed just how much this bar means to Leeds.
"For nearly 15 years, The Maven has been one of the city’s most loved cocktail destinations and a true institution within the local bar scene.
"When we told you about its potential closure we were flooded with support and interest from across the hospitality community. In the days that followed, several Leeds-based operators stepped forward with genuine offers to buy the venue and keep the bar alive.
"At a time when our industry is too often filled with stories of closures, today brings a little hope - a story about a community stepping up to protect something it values.
"The reports that The Maven would close at the end of March are now firmly in the past: The Maven Lives.
"Thanks to the passion of the Leeds hospitality community and the loyalty of its guests, the bar will continue to be part of the city’s nightlife story. More details about the next chapter for The Maven will be shared soon."
Georgina Pellant -
11th June 2021 
