Iluska Sandor

Said the following about Susan Temple:

“Susan Temple is hardworking, loving & wholly compassionate member of staff with ScotRail. She has worked with the company for 12 years, in the position of station grade (SGB). Susan was off duty, out with friends. Upon coming into Thornliebank Station for leisure, she noticed a jacket on the platform, but thought nothing more. Upon returning to the station she saw a boy on the bridge, at the far end and off the platform. She walked up and asked, "excuse me sweetheart, have you lost a jacket", to which the boy responded, "no, but I'm about to lose my life". Susan saw a train approaching, she raised her arms & screamed. She didn't want the driver to reach the bridge. The train stopped and she introduced herself to the driver, letting him know of what was ahead. Advised the driver to make the necessary contacts. She left the driver & went up onto the bridge & stood next to him. Susan engaged in conversation, introducing herself, receiving a response of his name & age. Susan asked the boy as to what brought him here, to which he explained his relationship with his girlfriend & unborn child. He explained that he had been chucked out of the house, they were no longer friends and that he couldn't return to his parents' home. And, that really there was no end in sight; and at a great loss of what else to do. Susan explained her personal story and that she could recognise, understand & empathise all that he was experiencing. Susan stated, "I'm not a social worker. I'm just a mummy. I'm someone's mum". Susan explained, "you do know you're not going to jump, don't you. I'm 16 stone and your 8 stone, I will grab your ankles and so you won't be going anywhere". This broke the ice and he smiled. Further engagement with banter and the realisation that because she was there, he wasn't going anywhere. The boy got spooked when the Conductor came up onto the bridge, but Susan quickly explained that he was there for her, so if he tried to jump, Susan would be holding onto his ankles and the Conductor onto her ankles. The boy kept saying, "it's easier if I just go & get out everyone's way. It's just easier". Susan asked the boy to look and over the bridge, where he would see the driver. Susan explained, "how do you think he would feel tonight going home to his family, having just killed you. Because, that is what you are asking him to do". The police arrived. Susan introduced the boy to the police. Susan then asked the boy for a hug. The boy was crying & hugged her. The boy was safely removed. Susan stated, "when you see someone in pain your human nature just kicks-in. He was just a young boy".“