Dave McLean

Said the following about Neal Davies and John Hopper:

“In early September 2019, two operatives from Alun Griffiths (Contractors) Ltd - Neal Davies and John Hopper - helped to save the life of a young woman at a worksite in Corsham, Wiltshire.

“I noticed that there was a young woman sitting on a supporting wall very close to the Great Western Mainline” explained Neal Davies. “After a short discussion with John, we decided that I should approach the woman whilst he alerted the controlling signaller and the police of the situation.

“At first, I was unsure of what to say because I’ve never had any formal training in suicide prevention, and I was worried I could make things worse. However, I remembered a presentation we had from Network Rail about how suicidal thoughts can sometimes be interrupted with small talk, and sometimes just realising another person cares enough to stop and talk can make all the difference. If this was a member of my family, a friend or a colleague, I like to think that someone else would do the same thing.

“As I approached her, it became clear that she was in a very distressed state, and there was evidence that she had been self-harming. Trusting my instincts, I approached her slowly, and started off by introducing myself to her. I then asked her for her name, and if she was okay”.

Shortly after Neil and John stepped in to help, the police arrived on the scene and the woman was taken into their care.

As a result of their quick actions, Alun Griffiths arranged for a certificate to be presented to both Neil and John as well as an £100 voucher, and dinner with the Operations Director. Network Rail also presented both Neil and John with a thank you gift for their conscientious efforts.“