Bradford woman shares how train driver saved her life

A WOMAN has told of how a train driver who stopped her from taking her own life is now her husband.

In 2019, Charlotte Lay, 33, from Bradford, made an impulsive decision to attempt to end her own life.

She has now shared her story in the hope it helps others to know that they’re not alone, and how much impact kindness can have on someone who is struggling.

Charlotte had struggled with her mental health for many years and had been diagnosed with major depressive disorder, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and borderline personality disorder.

“On the day of my suicide attempt, I don’t know exactly what triggered it, but it was an impulsive decision,” Charlotte said.

“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.

“I walked down the tracks and sat down, waiting. 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.

“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,” she said.

After giving Charlotte the space she needed, Dave was able to get her to the next platform safely where she was met by the police and signposted to local mental health services.

“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,” said Charlotte.

Charlotte Lay (Image: West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership) “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.”

NHS 111 now available in West Yorkshire for 24/7 crisis mental health support.

People in West Yorkshire who are experiencing a mental health crisis can now benefit from support through the NHS 111 service mental health option.

The NHS 111 number is a universal point of access for people of all ages experiencing mental health crisis, ensuring that anyone can call NHS 111 for themselves or someone else and have 24/7 access to the mental health support they need in the community.

Calls will be answered by trained mental health professionals.

Established mental health helpline numbers for services such as the West Yorkshire 24-hour mental health helpline on 0800 183 0558 (adults), First Response in Bradford District and Craven on 0800 952 1181 (all ages), and NightOwls (children, young people, their families and carers) 0800 1488244; text 07984376950, will continue to be open.

111 is not an emergency service. In a mental health emergency, call 999.

Whatever you're going through, you can call Samaritans free any time, from any phone, on 116 123.