Govia Thameslink Railway has praised a husband and wife for their life-saving actions while on their way to pick up their daughter from her first day at nursery.

Paul and Agy O’Brien were walking near Wivelsfield station when they spotted a man standing in between the train tracks. Agy approached the man and managed to get him talking and Paul raised the alarm with railway staff.

Paul is a Multi-Skilled Team Leader at Gatwick Airport railway station and was straight on the phone to staff at the control centre and advised of a possible suicidal man.

Paul also alerted Sussex Police and organised to meet them nearby to take them to the location.

By the time Paul and the police arrived, Agy had managed to get the young man to a less dangerous spot. But the young man started running away when he saw Paul and the officers approaching.

Concerned he would return another time to do himself harm, Paul chased after him and was able to catch up with him after about 300 metres.

They have since been recognised by GTR for their life-saving intervention earlier in the year during a special ceremony.

What did the officials say?

Paul said:

“I told him ‘we’re here to help – I know you need help and I will get you that help.’ After a couple of minutes the young man broke down. I said ‘these guys [the police] are here to help you. You’re not in trouble’.”

Thameslink and Great Northern Managing Director Tom Moran, who hosted the ceremony, said:

“We are really proud of Paul and Agy who went above and beyond to ensure the safety of a vulnerable young man. They are both real credits to the business who showed kindness and professionalism in helping him.”

GTR Driver Manager Lisa Stacey, who nominated them, said:

“I have known Paul since I joined Southern five years ago when I worked alongside him at Gatwick. He consistently puts his customers at the heart of everything he does. Being a first aider, he is always first on the scene and very confident at dealing with all kinds of incidents and accidents, so much so we named him Dr Paul. Paul certainly goes the extra mile in customer service and lifesaving.”

Praising his wife, Paul said:

“Agy is a volunteer with the Rail Care Team and she’s very good at being a shoulder for everyone. She has a very soft here-to-help approach and it worked well in this situation because the young man started opening up.”

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