A paediatric occupational therapist from North East London NHS Foundation Trust has been awarded one of the London Fire Brigade’s highest public commendations after spending more than 90 minutes talking a man back from the edge of a bridge on the A13 flyover above the River Roding.
Tolu Adebayo was driving with her mother and mother-in-law when she noticed traffic slowing and spotted a man in serious distress. She pulled over, approached officers on the scene and stayed — for over an hour and a half — until the man was safely brought to care.
She received the London Fire Brigade Assistant Commissioner’s Award at a ceremony at Brigade headquarters last week.
“I Couldn’t Walk Away”
What makes Tolu’s story particularly striking is how ordinary her decision felt to her.
“I’m really shocked to receive this — I honestly just did what anyone should do,” she said. “I couldn’t walk away when someone needed help.”
During the incident, the situation became acutely dangerous on several occasions. At one point Tolu physically held on to the man to prevent a fall. Throughout, she kept talking — listening to him, staying present, working alongside emergency services.
“He told me about his family, his past and the conflict he’d come from,” she said. “When he asked if we could pray, we stood there together and a police officer joined us — it was such a powerful, human moment.”
Andy Pennick, London Fire Brigade’s Assistant Commissioner, said her actions “undoubtedly saved a life” and praised the courage, compassion and empathy she showed while placing herself in a hazardous situation alongside the emergency services.
The Training Behind the Response
Tolu credits Mental Health First Aid training with giving her the tools to respond calmly and effectively.
“The training teaches you how to talk to someone in crisis,” she said. “You never know when you’ll need it.”
Mental Health First Aid teaches people how to identify early signs of poor mental health, respond appropriately in a crisis and offer immediate support — providing a clear, practical action plan for guiding conversations and de-escalating distress. It does not replace professional care, but it gives ordinary people the confidence to step in before professional help arrives.
Tolu hopes her story encourages more Londoners to consider taking the training. It is widely available through MHFA England, St John Ambulance and many NHS trusts. Many employers fund it directly.
About NELFT
North East London NHS Foundation Trust provides community and mental health services across Barking and Dagenham, Havering, Redbridge and Waltham Forest. NELFT has also recently launched a text messaging service for NHS 111 mental health crisis support — people across north east London can now text 07860 009642 to reach support from 11 May 2026.
The man was safely brought into professional care following the intervention.
If You Need Support
- Samaritans: 116 123 — free, 24 hours
- Crisis text: Text SHOUT to 85258
- NHS 111: Select the mental health option
- NELFT crisis text (north east London): 07860 009642
- MHFA training: mhfaengland.org
Based on confirmed information from NELFT and London Fire Brigade, May 2026. If you are struggling, please reach out — Samaritans are available free on 116 123, any time of day or night.
