A Kinaxia HGV driver has been presented with an award after he stopped his truck to save the life of a man intending to jump from a motorway bridge.
Kieran Walsh sprang into action when he saw the man on a bridge over the M1 in South Yorkshire earlier this month.
The quick-thinking 23-year-old tried to calm the man and then told him he was going to call his office to let colleagues know he was delayed, but instead he phoned the police.
Kinaxia Logistics said the man then tried to climb over the barrier but Walsh was able to run back and grab him around the chest and restrain him.
Another member of the public then stopped and helped Walsh keep hold of the man until officers arrived.
Kinaxia has now recognised his efforts with a new ‘Moments that Matter’ award.
The citation on his certificate said: “For stopping and helping someone when they needed it the most. You literally made a life-changing decision. Everyone at Kinaxia is so proud of you.”
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Walsh said: “As I approached the junction where the road crosses the M1, I saw a pedestrian who appeared to be walking towards the bridge. I looped round to have another look at him to see whether he was okay.
“As I came around the second time, I saw him leaning over the barrier above the southbound carriageway of the motorway. I stopped alongside him, put on my hazard warning lights and tried to speak to him from the cab.
“I didn’t get a response after three attempts, so I put on my high-vis jacket, turned off the engine and walked to him.”
The five foot nine hero added: “I hope he is okay. I just felt it was the right thing to do. My mum has always told me to be the best person I can, and someone needed help. I didn’t think about myself.
“Everyone has kept saying that I’m a hero, but I don’t see it that way. I was lucky to be there when I was. I’m also extremely grateful to the other driver. I didn’t get his details at the time, but would like to thank him for stopping to help.”
Kinaxia group MD Richard Smith said: “We are humbled by the actions that Kieran took to assist someone when they were most in need.
“It would have been very easy to just drive past and not give a second thought, but Kieran showed the foresight and humanity to turn his vehicle around and see if this member of public was okay.
“Through his actions, he undoubtedly made a difference and saved a life. Everyone at Kinaxia Logistics is very proud of Kieran – he is a role model for all the drivers in our business.”
