A Whitefield nursery nurse is hoping to track down the kind stranger who saved her life five years ago.
In early 2015, Shiree Levy found herself at her lowest ebb, having struggled with anxiety and depression most of her life.
She drove to the Besses o' th' Barn Metrolink car park, parked up, got out of the car and headed towards a bridge. Shiree even admitted that she left her car door open and the keys on the seat "to make it easier for them to move it".
But seconds before taking her own life, a stranger named Becky approached Shiree and calmed her down, before escorting her down from the bridge.
She said: "I had seen a few counsellors and tried a few medications but nothing seemed to work and I saw myself as a lost cause, that was just a drain of time and resources.
"I was driving to my current workplace, where I was volunteering at the time, when I decided that I had had enough of being a burden to everyone around me and that it was time to do what would be best for everyone.
"I remember walking up to the bridge and I was crying because I finally felt relief that I wasn't going to be suffering fighting my own mind anymore and that everyone will finally be able to live their lives without me bringing them down.
"Becky saw me crying and asked if I was okay. I told her what was going on and she gave me a hug, walked me off the bridge and sat me down with her while she called an ambulance.
"She stayed on the phone to them and helped flag them down when they came. The whole time she kept her arm around me and reassured me that I was going to be alright. "
Five years on, Shiree is trying to track down Becky to let her know just how big of an effect she has had on her life.
"I just want to find her and thank her. I know it's a long shot but it's worth a try," Shiree added.
"She was a bit taller than me so I think around 5ft 5in, with light brown hair, slim build and a Manchester accent.
"She's given me a chance at happiness, I had hoped that people did care about me and that maybe my mind was wrong about it all.
"Without her I wouldn't be here now and I can't put into words how thankful I am."
Today, Shiree is the happiest she has ever been and is hoping to buy a house with her boyfriend, once the coronavirus pandemic is over.
She said: "Since then I have been able to see an amazing counsellor and get on the right medication for me which helps me live a happy life as if I don't have depression.
"I finished school and college and have qualifications in childcare and British Sign Language.
"I have a new boyfriend who is wonderfully supportive and loving.
"This past year I've been in the best place mental health wise that I've ever been and I was thinking back on my lowest point and how far I've come since then.
"I'm a key worker and he graduated Medical school this week, so is working on the front lines against COVID-19. I'm so proud."
Are you Becky or do you know who she is? Email thomas.molloy@reachplc.com.
