Mark Gardner

Said the following about David Metcalfe:

“David was driving the 2M14 Leeds to Manchester Victoria service on this particular afternoon when he was stopped short of Rochdale station, after speaking with the signaller he was made aware of a suicidal female who may be near the running line. He was advised to continue at caution towards Rochdale and report back to the signaller if he approaches anyone, after a short distance he spotted a female in the four foot in the front of his train, eventually bringing the train to a stand at a safe position.

At this stage David remained calm and contacted the signaller to report his findings, and requested attendance from the British Transport Police, and paramedics as the women was clearly injured already from efforts of her own. It was from here that David went the extra mile to ensure the ladies safety, alighting from his train to approach her and try to understand what she was thinking. After several minutes of speaking to the lady, he liaised with a trainee driver who was position in the driving cab and between them they decided that after calming the lady they would try to persuade her to board the train for her own safety. He asked the conductor if he could relocate passengers to the rear carriage so the lady wasn’t surrounded by people, and would feel more at ease. After speaking to her again, she eventually agreed to board the train where again David showed great courage and asked the conductor to bring his first aid kit to deliver first aid treatment to a wound the lady had picked up.

Once realising the lady was at ease, and in no immediate danger to herself he drove the train forward into Rochdale platform where paramedics and BTP were waiting to attend to the lady.

The quick thinking actions, and compassion showed throughout this situation are a credit to David and Northern Rail. Thank you David.“