Police in the UK are honoring 18-year-old Paige Hunter after her hand-written inspirational notes have brought comfort to suicidal bridge-goers.
Hunter has left dozens of “heartfelt notes” on the Wearmouth Bridge in Sunderland, in hopes that they can “offer solace to people facing a mental health crisis,” Northumbria Police stated, as reported by CBS News.
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“Even though things are difficult, your life matters. You’re a shining light in a dark world, so just hold on,” reads one of the notes.
Hunter, a student at East Durham College, was honored at the bridge this week for her efforts to prevent suicide. She was awarded a commendation certificate by Northumbria Police Chief Superintendent Sarah Pitt to commend her caring and selfless act.
“We thought it was important to applaud the work Paige has been doing and the help she has given those in Sunderland who are going through a mental health crisis,” Pitt said.
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Pitt also made sure to add that Hunter “should be very proud of herself,” for saving people from something they cannot take back.
“It is important that we encourage people to speak out and raise awareness of mental health issues and the impact on peoples’ lives,” Pitt added.
Hunter said that the response she has gotten for leaving the notes has been “inspiring.”
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“I wasn’t doing this for an award; it was just something that I wanted to do,” the teen said. “It’s just amazing, the response it has had.”
“My family are just proud of me and I’m going to put it up on the wall,” she said of the award. “I just want to help people and I’ve been told it’s already helped save six lives.”
(H/T: CBS News)