Dad’s suicide bid halted on iconic Nottingham bridge – now he wants to help others
Police save dad from tragedy on Nottingham Trent Bridge
Darren Cox, 39, from Ilkeston, was moments away from plunging off the famous Nottingham Trent Bridge when officers arrived just in time. The father-of-two had been fighting devastating suicidal thoughts after his relationship collapsed and he lost his job as a chef during the pandemic.
In May 2022, police were called urgently after Darren was spotted straddling the bridge railings, ready to jump. Officers rushed to the scene, pulling him to safety and ensuring he got immediate mental health support.
Mental health heroes in action
Darren was quickly assessed by Nottinghamshire Police’s Street Triage Team – a dedicated unit working alongside psychiatric nurses to respond to around 800 crisis calls a month, many involving suicide threats.
“Darren was at a very low point, in crisis. If we hadn’t acted quickly, he might not be here today,” said PC Severn of the team. “It was a team effort to get him the hospital help he needed.”
PC Severn, who has served 28 years, called the work incredibly rewarding, saying it’s powerful to see lives turned around.
From darkness to hope: Darren’s new mission
Now, Darren’s life has completely transformed. He recently visited Police HQ to thank the officers who saved him and is planning to launch a charity to support men struggling with mental health issues.
He even keeps the red jacket and trainers he wore on that fateful day as a powerful reminder of his journey.
“My life has changed massively,” Darren said. “There are lots of organisations out there willing to help if you’re in crisis. You don’t have to suffer alone. The police were there for me when I needed them most – and I wouldn’t be here today without them.”
