Emma to rescue of bridge woman

Emma Needham who coaxed down a potential suicide victim on M60 Bridge at Roman Road, Hollinwood.

A LIFE-SAVING teenager who persuaded a mum not to jump from a motorway bridge has spoken of the overwhelming support she has received from Oldhamers.

Emma Needham (19), from Oldham, hit the headlines after talking the woman back from the brink by promising to give her the biggest hug in the world.

She has since been moved by people contacting her to praise her actions.

Emma was driving to a friend’s house when she spotted the 47-year-old woman perched on a narrow parapet over the M60 at Roman Road, Hollinwood, with her teenage son appealing to her not to jump.

Impressed

Emma stopped and called the police before talking to the woman to calm her down.

Officers quickly arrived but did not approach the woman so as not to frighten her. Instead, they were so impressed with Emma’s efforts they let her continue her conversation.

Emma said: “I sat with her for an hour and calmed her down.

“I said I would try and help her as much as I could so whatever problems she had I would try to help her with or get her the help she needs.

“I promised I would give her a hug and show her that someone did care about her and if she got back over I would give her the biggest hug in the world. I acted on instinct.”

The woman retreated to safety as motorway traffic thundered below and Emma fulfilled her promise before leading her to an ambulance where the woman’s family were waiting.

“I was petrified,” admitted Emma. “I was trying to stay calm and at the same time trying to keep her calm. I just tried to keep the tone of my voice as gentle as possible.”
Emma has since visited the woman and taken her some flowers, with the experience creating a bond between them.

“She is on the right track now,” she said. “She’s a nice woman — she just lost her way a bit.”

At the time of the incident, the former Radclyffe School pupil had been celebrating a promotion to executive PA to the managing director at motivational firm Team Spirit in Greenfield.

Chief Supt Dave Keller, Greater Manchester Police co-ordinator for the Hostage Crisis Negotiation Unit, said: “The young woman who stopped and helped made a significant contribution to bringing her back over the bridge safely and she is now receiving the treatment she needs.

“Trained negotiators spoke with the woman who ensured she had support and guidance. Our negotiators are officers who are extensively trained and highly experienced in dealing with situations like this so we do not underestimate just what it took for a member of the public to step in.

Recognised

“The work of HCNU officers at the scene should also be recognised as they perform these duties voluntarily in addition to their full-time role with the force.”