‘Meeting the stranger who saved my life’ - BBC News

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  • čas přidán 5. 09. 2024
  • In March 2017, Liv Pontin was struggling with her mental health and decided to take her own life.
    She was stopped by a train driver called Ashley John - who she never saw again.
    Now the Victoria Derbyshire programme’s Andy Smythe has reunited them.
    Some may find Liv's words upsetting.
    Please subscribe HERE bit.ly/1rbfUog

Komentáře • 173

  • @adamweston4152
    @adamweston4152 Před 5 lety +122

    I was once a long time ago attempting to end my life by gassing my self in my van, I drove up a local hill that had a view that I loved and started the process. I was having one last cigarette before starting the engine, crying my heart out when a large bird of prey landed on a wooden fence post literally four feet away from the van and it sat there looking me straight in the face and i had a very profound moment that brought me back to my senses and it sat there for about 4 minutes and then flew off. That bird is responsible for me being here today and it just goes to show that care and love are there even when you think there isn't. I cycle alot these days and I often see birds of prey and I always now have the feeling that they are keeping an eye on me to make sure that I'm ok.

    • @patriciambrown8729
      @patriciambrown8729 Před 5 lety +3

      @FURRIANWARRIOR yes

    • @gdhaney136
      @gdhaney136 Před 5 lety +9

      I was saved by a dog needing me. No lie. I will never go without a dog again. Signs are everywhere if you're open to them.

    • @TheWendable
      @TheWendable Před 3 lety +5

      That was no coincidence Adam and Gianna, You had your hearts open at the right time. Respect to all animals 💞

    • @victoriaogunfowokan3120
      @victoriaogunfowokan3120 Před 3 lety +2

      That was God's angel beautiful, He dearly loves you 💛

    • @Jackmack365
      @Jackmack365 Před 3 lety +2

      Yes I think that bird was sent to help you. I hope you are happy now. God bless you.

  • @kirapbaby1166
    @kirapbaby1166 Před 5 lety +35

    This was the story I needed today. If everyone took a moment to just say hello or engage with a stranger you NEVER know how much they might need it.

  • @simmycutters3757
    @simmycutters3757 Před 5 lety +17

    so sad to hear that she lost her battle with this awful illness yesterday, seemed such a sweet soul :( RIP.

  • @Tyler380
    @Tyler380 Před 5 lety +14

    She has a beautiful smile.. God Bless Her...

    • @Smithy1204
      @Smithy1204 Před 5 lety +5

      Hello (I be Liv from the video). I am really really self-conscious of my smile and my face in general - so thank you! That is a really kind comment :)

  • @JustCallMeKim84
    @JustCallMeKim84 Před 5 lety +16

    Oh Liv. I wish we could of done more. You were loved and you will always be loved. And so so missed 😭😭😭

  • @Jackmack365
    @Jackmack365 Před 3 lety +5

    What a beautiful man, I hope Liv continues to find peace and happiness, she is a beautiful. Oh dear Ive just read she passed away, thats heartbreaking.

  • @elizabethkim3740
    @elizabethkim3740 Před 5 lety +10

    Yeah, he is such a good man. God bless both.

  • @eleanorjgwilt
    @eleanorjgwilt Před 5 lety +12

    Sadly Liv passed away last week. Rest in peace Liv ☹️

  • @CJ-bs7zl
    @CJ-bs7zl Před 3 lety +6

    Liv. I’m so sorry you lost your battle. I know we kept in touch via a Twitter community on mental health. I wish I could have done more to help.

  • @stephenbutler6819
    @stephenbutler6819 Před 3 lety +6

    Such a nice bloke as well and he genuinely cares which this world has a lack of ppl with

  • @iona5439
    @iona5439 Před 3 lety +4

    She attempted on the same day and in the same way as me.. its just chilling, I wish we could've met eachother I would've sat there, talked and listened to her all day. I hope she finds solace and is able to overcome her MH problems.
    Edit: I've just read in the comments that she is sadly no longer with us. Poor woman.... I wish I couldve reached out to her but I hope she is no longer suffering. Rip you beautiful soul ❤

  • @craigwest4872
    @craigwest4872 Před 5 lety +7

    RIP Liv xx

  • @paultaylor173
    @paultaylor173 Před 5 lety +6

    RIP Liv 😭💙

  • @paultaylor173
    @paultaylor173 Před 5 lety +5

    RIP Liv we love you thanks for talking to me 😭😭😭

  • @BeeBee78686
    @BeeBee78686 Před 5 lety +4

    R.I.P. LIV 💗

  • @hannap8052
    @hannap8052 Před 5 lety +6

    I live right by the train tracks and for a long time I wanted to end my life there but was worried about the driver, I just didn't want to fund him the sight. I'm still very struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts and just live for my parents

    • @littlebear7440
      @littlebear7440 Před 5 lety +3

      Keep fighting!! We need you...
      I think is time for you to give us something, maybe you could help giving a hand as a volunteer in a hospital, or with kids, with someone who really needs and is in a worse scenario. Remember that blessings and happiness come more from giving than receiving. It fulfills the heart. A big hug from here;
      and if you need to talk, I'm here.

    • @hannap8052
      @hannap8052 Před 5 lety +5

      @@littlebear7440 thank you so much, it really means a lot. I'll definetly want to try volunteering when I'll have a little more energy. Again thanks so much, you made my day

    • @littlebear7440
      @littlebear7440 Před 5 lety +3

      @@hannap8052 😊 You're welcome. Let me know then how you keep fighting!

    • @Smithy1204
      @Smithy1204 Před 5 lety +4

      Please do talk to somebody. I am Liv from the film, so I do understand, I really do. Are you getting any support at the moment? Do you get on with your parents - are you able to let them know how hard things are? I know it's unbearably hard sometimes, but I promise you there is hope. There really really is.

    • @hannap8052
      @hannap8052 Před 5 lety +2

      @@Smithy1204 thank you so much, I'm really close with my parents and I try to talk to them when things get rough but talking about suicidal thoughts is really hard because I know it upsets them, my mom cried once when I told her so I try to keep it to myself. I'm on meds and seeking a new therapist. After so many years it's just gets tiring, I'm not seeking help for myself anymore, I just do it for my parents, if I could I would just lay in bed all day. But I try to push through, thank you for your response, I'm happy things got better for you

  • @chimiicharlene5825
    @chimiicharlene5825 Před 5 lety +1

    Heartbreaking and beautiful story. If you are feeling down, get up because a lot of people care.

  • @kamelmebhah4122
    @kamelmebhah4122 Před 5 lety +1

    So brave young lady, and honest I wish her a happy future, we have to be strong in life.

  • @sushillagovender3384
    @sushillagovender3384 Před měsícem

    RIP Liv😢😢precious soul🌹🌹Gone but not forgotten🙌🙏and your cry for help!😢people do care.Our world is filled with good, kind hearted people and there's always hope!🙏🙏🙌

  • @doneliatonk7946
    @doneliatonk7946 Před 5 lety +2

    How good of her to return to thank her helper.

    • @Smithy1204
      @Smithy1204 Před 5 lety +2

      He deserves so much thanks. All credit is to the BBC and Thameslink for that - I had tried not long after to see if the station could find out who the driver was, and they said they didn't know. Andy from the BBC asked if I would like to do it, and as terrifying as it was (being on camera is really not my favourite thing...!), it was worth it for the opportunity to say thank you and talk to him properly. :)

  • @davidshillito5174
    @davidshillito5174 Před 2 lety

    Great compassionate guy....massive respect. Liv so glad your on the mend and very happy your still on this beautiful planet.

  • @stephenbutler6819
    @stephenbutler6819 Před 3 lety +3

    No shame in what she has gone through and speaking out I've been this low myself and it's the worst feeling u can go through unfortunately not everyone has a saviour or can be saved

  • @TheManOfSteel89
    @TheManOfSteel89 Před 5 lety +30

    Nobody else getting a Vin Diesel vibe off this bloke?

    • @Oakland510
      @Oakland510 Před 5 lety +5

      yeah kinda, bloke is really good looking despite the baldness :P but his character just makes his face glow. top man

    • @ina7168
      @ina7168 Před 5 lety

      originalSAGA yes 😂

    • @thinkcentre2974
      @thinkcentre2974 Před 3 lety

      Yep

  • @anandr1385
    @anandr1385 Před 4 lety +3

    RIP Liv 😢

  • @luciemcadams9016
    @luciemcadams9016 Před 5 lety +3

    I love you liv. Your life is important ❤️

  • @taqiyasir8086
    @taqiyasir8086 Před 5 lety +8

    Now, this is the type of videos BBC should be posting along with some real news. Love it, God bless them both. Suicide is NEVER the answer.

  • @SukmaHema
    @SukmaHema Před 5 lety +13

    wow beautiful story that we should help each other👍🙏🏻

  • @jellybean9319
    @jellybean9319 Před 7 hodinami

    So sad that people think they are nothing but a burden on others. Truth is...that is usually not how their friends and family feel.
    😢

  • @RubinaMerchant
    @RubinaMerchant Před 3 lety +5

    Every one needs someone close who loves them. So sad.
    Heard she passed away? How? Does anyone know?

    • @Rihardololz
      @Rihardololz Před 2 lety

      she was successful doing what she done on the video but don't know she did it.

  • @ByronHawk
    @ByronHawk Před 5 lety +30

    I wouldn't cut my life short and no one else should either, a future exists away from the present!

    • @yuvraj1566
      @yuvraj1566 Před 5 lety +1

      That's so true, I wish people going threw hard times understood this!

    • @ChristianNorge
      @ChristianNorge Před 5 lety +12

      What if you've been depressed for years or even decades? Or you got some kind of a incurable pain that leaves you bedridden? Life isn't a gift to everyone... it can be perpetual hell.

    • @yuvraj1566
      @yuvraj1566 Před 5 lety +4

      @@ChristianNorge I once tried to take my own life when I was 16 years old. Now I thank god that I failed that night. For most it's just a phase of life which will pass by, it's real and I understand it.

    • @studmalexy
      @studmalexy Před 5 lety

      I wouldn't killmyself..id pill everybody else!..hahahaha :)
      really..im joking..dont report me

    • @realpolitics527
      @realpolitics527 Před 5 lety +1

      Not always is there a future

  • @kamadosoham8140
    @kamadosoham8140 Před 5 lety +2

    You inspired me liv

  • @carythomson8587
    @carythomson8587 Před 4 lety +1

    R.i.p liv

  • @jasonbullock2816
    @jasonbullock2816 Před rokem

    Life is to precious all was live

  • @chicoreyes8777
    @chicoreyes8777 Před 5 lety +3

    This just made my day : )

  • @jeevarathnam632
    @jeevarathnam632 Před 5 lety +15

    This is great

  • @user-ul8kv6hu7n
    @user-ul8kv6hu7n Před 5 lety +2

    cant believes she dead rip

  • @trishmatthews6777
    @trishmatthews6777 Před 3 lety +2

    Even in that video, you'd know she wasn't fully functional as a person. God love her.

  • @gethcreator751
    @gethcreator751 Před 5 lety +9

    I helped someone once, the paramedic started questioning him as if I had robbed the kid.
    Moral of the story, don't help people

    • @grahamboxing
      @grahamboxing Před 5 lety

      😂

    • @whispersubliminals7056
      @whispersubliminals7056 Před 5 lety +3

      I know someone who pulled a kid out of the road from a reckless driver and the police scolded him for Jay walking when the kid was like, 4-5 and his mom was screaming at him from the other side of the road.

    • @vrindaforbes6258
      @vrindaforbes6258 Před 5 lety +2

      No, you shouldn't look at it that way. You helped someone that day, even if the paramedic was too much of a jerk to realise it. God saw it and will always remember what you did ☺😊
      There will always those kind of jerks in this world but that doesn't mean we should stop being kind and compassionate to others✨

  • @killbuzzygamer3220
    @killbuzzygamer3220 Před 5 lety +17

    More videos like this
    Plzzzz

  • @theshuriken
    @theshuriken Před 5 lety +1

    i cri

  • @TrooperLFC
    @TrooperLFC Před 5 lety +4

    he seems like a Spurs fan. well done lad! YNWA

  • @DetroitGoldie
    @DetroitGoldie Před 5 lety +2

    Suicide is a long term solution for a short term problem.

    • @invalide
      @invalide Před 5 lety +2

      Jennifer Carroll not really, people can struggle for a long time before committing suicide, therefore it’s not short term

    • @invalide
      @invalide Před 5 lety +2

      nice little soundbyte though, easy to memorise and not think about it

    • @SubscribersWithoutAnySubscribe
      @SubscribersWithoutAnySubscribe Před 5 lety +1

      @@invalide Yeah, they can. And people can struggle with a scab from a grazed knee their whole life if they pick at it everyday. That doesn't mean it isn't a short term problem.

    • @invalide
      @invalide Před 5 lety

      Edgy Music yeah but people don’t come out of their way to pick at it, it’s the other way around if anything

    • @DetroitGoldie
      @DetroitGoldie Před 5 lety

      Invalide_Account i thought about what you said for a few days. I think I am seeing this in a different light. Thank you.

  • @jeannettecowley5957
    @jeannettecowley5957 Před 5 lety +2

    I asked the BBC three years ago to help me find the woman who saved me from jumping off a high building in 1998.I asked them again two years ago but they never got back to me. I also stood in front of a train back then,It stopped a few feet away and the driver got out and put his arm around me until the police came.He told me that he had been in this situation before.It's quite a common thing.

  • @lifewitholga_
    @lifewitholga_ Před 5 lety +1

    Awww so sad she looks so sad and broken but she's at least she's trying

    • @Smithy1204
      @Smithy1204 Před 5 lety +1

      I really am, and am so much better! And I think better than I seem in the film - I am very very shy about my voice and speaking, so was really nervous (not entirely sure why I said I'd do the film! Haha) and tend to go quiet, but I have come so far. Very rarely seeing MH services anymore and starting my dream job this month!

  • @traverseyatra8968
    @traverseyatra8968 Před 5 lety +2

    I helped one lady getting off the tram once by carrying her suff but then tram left me.....

  • @Prince-gu8or
    @Prince-gu8or Před 5 lety +8

    It was a cry for help.

    • @lblaze42
      @lblaze42 Před 5 lety

      Yup

    • @Smithy1204
      @Smithy1204 Před 5 lety +2

      I wish it had been. I am fortunate in that I will almost always ask for help if I need it, and have a wonderful family and friends. But at that time I believed I had no future, and that there was no hope. I intended to end my life that night - and ultimately it culminated in receiving CPR from police officers following another attempt at a later date. It was finding hope for work and a future that turned that around, and fortunately I need very little help from MH services etc!

    • @tinacrossan1389
      @tinacrossan1389 Před 5 lety

      Well done Ashley John and to the police for helping Liv. Sorry you have been in such a bad place Liv and hope you stay well. Xx ❤

  • @abdulrasheed17
    @abdulrasheed17 Před 5 lety

    Absolutely stragglers life saved I m Very nice valuable good greatness BBC news thanks for so much

  • @abdulrasheed17
    @abdulrasheed17 Před 5 lety

    You strong would best role best lifetime

  • @Awesomegamer-bg6of
    @Awesomegamer-bg6of Před 5 lety

    My sisters birthday is in the 24th of March

  • @spodenet
    @spodenet Před 5 lety +1

    Amazing information yes I'm sports to other people need others

  • @stevewhite7084
    @stevewhite7084 Před 3 lety

    Two very lovely people and i"m very sorry she lost her fight against the black dog and i hope Mr John is okay.

  • @maxio6571
    @maxio6571 Před 5 lety

    How much longer do I have to put up with you BBC?

  • @conorgeraghty4178
    @conorgeraghty4178 Před 5 lety +2

    Gillett fake ad should be taken off air in America and utube. News told the truth men respect people in trouble like this poor women glad she’s back on her feet 👍

  • @DJAUDIO1
    @DJAUDIO1 Před 5 lety +1

    😭

  • @jimmiklas6318
    @jimmiklas6318 Před 5 lety +1

    There hasn't been a BBC video promoting third world immigration and race mixing in Britain for a while now.

  • @jraqn
    @jraqn Před 5 lety

    Thats my birthday...

  • @cpgrace1902
    @cpgrace1902 Před 5 lety +3

    Suicide is stupid but unfortunately a prevalent thing in society

  • @elizabethmenegon8057
    @elizabethmenegon8057 Před 3 lety

    💖

  • @damiankaleta1471
    @damiankaleta1471 Před 5 lety

    Anyone else thinks that he looks just like scott brown?

  • @JTTomas-ut7ce
    @JTTomas-ut7ce Před 5 lety

    BBC? WOW first time i see somethi ng you posted that's not antitrump

  • @irishdragon2311
    @irishdragon2311 Před 5 lety

    Oh yeah yeah yeah

  • @NickMeskhi
    @NickMeskhi Před 5 lety

    I still wanna die on my time , not gonna let life make decisions for me . I am not suicidal tho

  • @datingmate6917
    @datingmate6917 Před 5 lety

    Xx

  • @luvcastles
    @luvcastles Před 5 lety +10

    Everyone in these comments acting like they are trying to help, but have no idea how depression works lol

  • @dpie4859
    @dpie4859 Před 5 lety +14

    So all men are not bad then?

    • @JK_JK_JK_JK
      @JK_JK_JK_JK Před 5 lety +6

      That's Sexist against Men!!! 😡😤😣

    • @RyuRaza
      @RyuRaza Před 5 lety

      Not all of us are men, I'm a weak sissy slut who takes it in the ass from real men 😀

    • @bonjourtristesse9433
      @bonjourtristesse9433 Před 5 lety +1

      No, but you are a pos. I can just tell because this is the only self-centered thought you could pull out of your deteriorating brain after watching this earnest video. 🙄

  • @callum5208
    @callum5208 Před 5 lety +3

    MASTERS 👽👽

  • @jonathanturbide2232
    @jonathanturbide2232 Před 5 lety +9

    So.........they banged?

  • @Rieeeeee00
    @Rieeeeee00 Před 5 lety +3

    only God can do this

  • @abdulrasheed17
    @abdulrasheed17 Před 5 lety

    The biggest everything issues hopefully important for you appreciate

  • @icansurviveuniversity.imra1405

    trigger warner would have been nice? not as the last sentence in the info box?

    • @ugh4387
      @ugh4387 Před 5 lety +10

      was "some may find this video distressing" not enough of one? what more do you expect them to do? put "SUICIDE MENTION" in big angry red letters? get a grip

    • @huitzil6515
      @huitzil6515 Před 5 lety +5

      Holy crap. I thought trigger warnings were a joke. Something is up with today's society...

    • @mr.rogers7007
      @mr.rogers7007 Před 5 lety +1

      Lol this guy has to be trolling

    • @SAIKODA777
      @SAIKODA777 Před 5 lety

      Pathetic

    • @josephvanhinsbergh8880
      @josephvanhinsbergh8880 Před 5 lety

      You actually survived university?

  • @p.g.u.d
    @p.g.u.d Před 5 lety

    Actors

    • @Smithy1204
      @Smithy1204 Před 5 lety

      No.

    • @p.g.u.d
      @p.g.u.d Před 5 lety

      @@Smithy1204 so you're a train driver going to meet up with a suicide you saved with documentary cameras following you around and going to behave natural?
      Or the person suffering from illness meet with a rescuer in completely unnatural conditions?
      That would be a stressful situation for both.

    • @Smithy1204
      @Smithy1204 Před 5 lety +1

      @@p.g.u.d It was me. 🙈
      The speakly directly to camera part was awkward, I was really shy and self-conscious and it's weird.
      But no. Ashley was totally genuine, we talked for around 2-3 hours, most of which obviously isn't in the edited film, about that night and about other things as well, and it was a really nice chat, he said it was good for him and it was really reassuring to do.

    • @p.g.u.d
      @p.g.u.d Před 5 lety

      @@Smithy1204 thanks for that liv. I though it might be.
      But i think it was a bit unfair to have you in that situation. They could have used actors instead IMO.
      But as long as you are okay with it then well done.

    • @Smithy1204
      @Smithy1204 Před 5 lety +1

      @@p.g.u.d Thank you. That is totally fair - I am well on the road to wellness (living with MH still but better), but it is definitely essential to be sure somebody is safe and strong enough to do something like this first. I didn't think it would get anywhere close to the response it has, which was slightly overwhelming!
      The producer (Andy) asked me as an idea after seeing someone I wrote, and he spoke to Samaritans who also spoke to BTP before we did it. Andy was so reassuring throughout - there was just him and one colleague throughout, and they really made sure I didn't have to do anything I wasn't OK with.
      I wanted to do it when suggested because meeting the driver again was such a poignant moment, I am so grateful.
      ...But fame isn't the career for me. At all. 😆

  • @casperslaststandme5991

    Anyone else surprised the guy wasn't recast by the BBC as a POC refugee from a religion of peace ? Not like the BBC to miss a chance like this huh.

  • @absolut.4780
    @absolut.4780 Před 5 lety

    Our tax payers money going to epically boring Stories about some girl. Who has problems. And she tried to get help. Some guy helped her. Depressing

    • @mossyteef
      @mossyteef Před 5 lety +2

      ABSOLUT. Ahhh :( people like you are part of the reason it is so difficult to get help, and even reach out for it, let alone open up to people around you - even with her now being gone, this story has moved me so much, it’s an encouragement to continue getting help
      Rest In Peace, Liv