A COACH driver from Taunton has spoken about the moment he stopped traffic to help save a woman in distress on a motorway bridge.

Gary, who works for Flixbus, pulled up and stopped the traffic to warn other motorists and rescue the woman during the incident on Monday, July 4.

He said: “I stopped the traffic and a couple of other people tried to help while other impatient drivers drove past.

“I rang 999 and the police arrived after 10 minutes. I believe the woman would have jumped if I hadn’t stopped.

“The other motorists who were stopping managed to get to the road the bridge was on and pull her over. My role was trying to stop the traffic.

“Some people asked me ‘how did you see her?’ because it was getting dark. Being a coach driver, you are more aware of what is going on. ‘This is the way I drive’ I said.”

Gary said he has suffered from mental health issues himself but thanks to a “very strong” network of support he was able to recover.

His goal in life is now to help other people going through the same experiences.

He said: “I believe that there should be more help for those with mental illness as it can be very difficult to process and to recover from.

“Fortunately for myself, l have had a very strong network to support me throughout my period of mental illness.

“My previous employer eased me into full-time employment and a large majority of support has come from a work colleague who works at a different company to myself who has made me see my career in a different view to how l did previous, and l believe that if it wasn't for them l would not be here today - they saved my life and l know with their continued support l will achieve my dream.

“My long-term goal is to become a 999 Ambulance control call handler advisor. l know l have a very long way before achieving this but is something l plan to work towards in the next few months and have wanted since June 2019.”

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