Bridge jumper’s heartfelt thanks

It’s the first time in 25 years that the inshore rescue lifeboat Humber Rescue has heard from a survivor.

The woman, was in her 20s when she jumped in the early hours of the morning in August 2013, while police were trying to talk her down.

She suffered serious spinal injuries but was pulled out river by the lifeboat and now wants to help out by fundraising.

In the letter, the woman said she may not have been grateful for her rescue then, but said: “I am now.”

She wrote: “I don’t know your names but thank you, especially to whoever tried keeping me awake one pulling me out of the cold water - I wouldn’t recognise you if I saw you again, but thank you, I am not 100 per cent better yet, but I’ll get there.”

Coxswain Dave Roberts said: “I couldn’t believe it when we got the letter because it has taken quite a lot of writing. It has raised the crew’s morale.

“In the 25 years we have been going this is the first feed-back we have had from any of the survivors.

“Normally after attending a person who has fallen off the bridge the crew have a cup of tea and are left to their own devices, rather than having a positive result.

“We wish her a speedy recovery and hope she enjoys life again - that’s the best way of repaying us.”

Just 23 people have survived jumping off the Bridge in the past 25 years. The lifeboat is staffed entirely by volunteers and relies solely on donations. For more information visit http://www.humber-rescue.org.uk. *Samaritans are on freephone number 116 123.