Father-of-Two Saved from Jumping Off Nottingham Bridge
A dad threatened to end his life by jumping off Nottingham’s Trent Bridge – but thanks to quick-thinking police, he’s now on the road to recovery.
Darren’s Darkest Hour
Darren Cox, 39, from Ilkeston, hit rock bottom after his relationship fell apart and he lost his chef job during the pandemic. In May 2022, he was found straddling the railings on Trent Bridge, ready to jump.
“When I stood on that bridge, I didn’t feel anything. All I wanted was to jump,” Darren revealed. “I remember banging my head on the railings before an officer pulled me back to safety.”
Police Team Work Saves Life
Officers arrived after a family member’s worried call. PC Jamie Severn and the Nottinghamshire Police’s Street Triage Team, who collaborate with psychiatric nurses, were there to help. The team handles around 800 such mental health crises every month.
“Darren was in crisis and needed immediate help. We feared he would take his life without intervention,” said PC Severn. “It was a team effort to bring him to safety and get him the right support.”
“After 28 years in policing, this is by far the most rewarding job. Seeing people like Darren turn their lives around makes it all worthwhile.”
From Despair to Hope
Last week, Darren visited Sherwood Police HQ to thank the officers with chocolates and a card. He’s now determined to help others, planning a charity for men struggling with mental health.
He even kept the red jacket and trainers he wore that day as a reminder of how far he’s come.
“There are plenty of organisations ready to help if you’re at crisis point – you don’t have to suffer alone. The police saved my life. I wouldn’t be here for my children without them,” Darren said.
