A kind-hearted man saved the life of a woman by cuddling her for an hour and convincing her not to jump off a bridge.
Rosie Jafrate was driving home from work when she spotted the frightened looking woman standing on a bridge in Wirral, Merseyside.
The 24-year-old saw the woman was shaking and realised she needed immediate help, The Liverpool Echo reported.
Rosie jumped out of her car and spent a whole hour "cuddling" the woman, who was in her 20s, and gaining her trust.
She said: "I wondered if she was just nervous, but it didn’t look right and so I stopped the car and got out.
"It was an instinctive reaction.
“When she saw me, she ran for a wall which prevents people from the drop.
"I then knew she was contemplating suicide.
"It’s a high wall and so I sprinted and grabbed her.
"I then just held her and gave her reassurance.”
Her life saving actions were not completely out of character for Rosie, who works for Merseyside Community Rehabilitation Company providing rehabilitative services to people on probation or on licence from prison.
After spending time with the woman, Rosie spotted a passing police car and flagged it down.
Officers called for support and dispatched a mental health specialist who took over from Rose.
She said: "I was with the lady for an hour.
"My training meant I knew not to ask her a battery of questions because she was shaking uncontrollably and clearly in no fit state to be grilled about what she was doing.
"I took her name, address and age and then just cuddled her.
"I’m normally quite shy but helping was an unconscious decision.
"It illustrates the importance of not being afraid to take action if you ever think something doesn’t look right.”
Chris Edwards, MCRC’s chief executive, praised Rosie for her actions.
He said: “Probation staff are dedicated to supporting people to make positive changes to their lives and the role often includes helping those who are vulnerable and in need.
"Rosie’s quick thinking and her instinctive actions have saved a life.
"I am proud of what she has done.”
If you need to speak to someone, Samaritans are available 24/7 by calling 116 123
