Mum hails Chesterfield's Gareth Clark for saving her daughter

A mum has thanked a hero who saved the life of her suicidal daughter.
Hero Gareth Clark. Picture: Brian Eyre.Hero Gareth Clark. Picture: Brian Eyre.
Hero Gareth Clark. Picture: Brian Eyre.

As reported earlier this week, Gareth Clark was driving along the A617 on the Thursday before Christmas when he saw a woman threatening to jump from the flyover at Temple Normanton.

The quick-thinking 35-year-old stopped at the scene – then bravely walked up to the bridge.

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Gareth, of Walton Road, Chesterfield, grabbed her, pulled her over the railings and on to the ground.

"I just hope I didn’t hurt her," said the facilities manager.

The 20-year-old woman’s mum, Tracy Marie Wright, said: "I’d like to thank Gareth from the bottom of my heart for saving my gorgeous daughter.

"If he wasn’t there that day I dread to think about what would have been.

"No words are enough.

"He’s a real hero."

She added: "So many people have mental health problems.

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"I just hope they speak out and don’t keep it all in and get the help they need."

A Derbyshire police spokesman said the woman was taken to Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

She has been detained under the Mental Health Act.

Gareth said: "I hope she gets better very soon and I hope the system doesn’t let her down."

Derbyshire Constabulary has hailed Gareth.

A force spokesman said: "He helped save a life.

"We’ve spoken to him and thanked him and we’re now considering ways of formally recognising his act of bravery."

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Scores of people have taken to our Facebook page to praise Gareth.

Vikki Davis said: "Amazing. A walking angel."

Dawn Doxey said: "It's nice to see that people care for others. Legend."

• The Samaritans provides a free, confidential listening service all day, every day, all year. Whatever you're going through, you can call the helpline on 116 123 or email [email protected]. Visit www.samaritans.org.uk for details about the Samaritans.