Brave Young Boys Heading Home From School Help Rescue Man Sitting On Edge Of Bridge

Aug 16, 2022 by apost team

Every now and then, we hear incredibly heartbreaking stories. No one deserves to feel low about themselves, but sadly, many people experience negative emotions that can be very overwhelming. Fortunately, there are resources for individuals that are struggling, as well as people who can be there to pick their loved ones up in times of need.

In this specific case, a group of friends did everything they could to help a stranger on the edge. In 2017, three boys in the UK were coming home from school when they found a man sitting on the edge of an overpass with a rope around his neck. It appeared that the man was about to take his own life. The young boys, Devonte, Sammy and Shawn knew that they needed to act fast to do something to help the man.

They tried to keep him back from the edge, grabbing onto him tightly. They talked to him to try to help ease his mind. However, the man still tried to jump, but that didn’t stop the three kids from their life-saving efforts. They reached for him again and refused to let go.

While Devonte and Sammy were the two boys mostly helping the man, Shawn hurried to call for help. During this time, two other passers-by came to the boys' aide, and the man was rescued.

The boys were just between the ages of 12 and 14 at the time. It’s evident that they will be hailed as heroes for years to come. More importantly, the message that you are never alone will hopefully get through to anyone who needs to hear it.

It was a scary incident for everyone involved back in September 2017. According to the Hertfordshire News, Devonte, 13, and Sammy, 14, ran to grab hold of a man they found sitting on the edge of an overpass in Waltham Cross. The man had a rope wrapped around his neck. During this time, 12-year-old Shawn ran to call for help.

While the young boys did their best to talk the man out of doing anything permanent, the man passed his cell phone to them and explained, “If it rings, don’t answer it.” Fortunately, the three boys did not let go of the man and held onto him long enough for help to arrive. The man was then taken to the hospital.

The boys recalled the details of the incident while speaking to Steve Harvey on his talk show. "We saw him on the other side of the bridge," described Devonte. "He had a rope around his neck. (Devonte) and Sammy were persuading him not to jump while Shawn ran off and he got help."

According to the boys, the man in question was not much older than they were at 21 years old. They explained:

"We grabbed him and he was just pulling back ... and it was just really scary."

According to the Mirror, the boys were helped by two passers-by. One of them was Joanne Stammers, who is registered as disabled with Klippel–Trénaunay syndrome, a rare disability that makes her highly prone to blood clotting. Despite her condition, which prevents her from working, Stammers took over from the boys and held onto the man "for what feels like forever" and was left with bruising all over her arms.

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Stammers said:

“Those little boys are heroes, kids their age might walk past and take the mick but they took it upon his little head to hold him back with all his weight.”

They were also helped by another man, James Higlett, who did his part in saving the man’s life. All five of them received awards from the Royal Humane Society, a charity promoting life-saving intervention. According to Our Heritage TV, the charity also grants awards to those who aid in saving human lives and restoring human life.

Shawn, Devonte and Sammy’s parents were all extremely proud of their children for helping the man and saving his life. Shawn’s mom, Carol, explained:

“I feel like they were meant to be there to help him.”

She continued: “Shawn told me what happened when he came home. I let him finish the whole story and the whole way through I was smiling because there was nothing I could add to it.” Carol added, “Adults might have messed that up, but what they did was textbook.” 

However, Devonte’s mom, Jacqueline, said the incident was hard on her son. “He does not want to talk about it, it has been hard,” she explained. “Sammy has come over and has been quiet.” Jacqueline added: “I am filled with pride, I keep telling him he saved someone’s life and I hope that he realizes that now.”

Sammy’s dad, Mohamed, also praised his son’s actions. “He has always been helpful to other people, when he sees an older lady on the street with shopping he goes to help,” he said. “He is a quiet and humble boy.”

These boys displayed incredible courage and compassion. Did this story move you? If so, feel free to pass it along to your loved ones.

If you or anybody you know is struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, please call Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or visit befrienders.org to find your local suicide prevention hotline. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.