The family of a woman who took her own life on a motorway are campaigning for pedestrian access to motorways to be blocked off to prevent further tragedies.
Emma Ramsden, 34, left her family home in Morley, Leeds, in the early hours of April 10 without anyone knowing. She made her way to the M621 motorway at around 4.30am, where she was struck and killed by a passing car. Hours later, her family were told the mum-of-three had taken her own life, reports Leeds Live.
Now Emma's mum and sister are urging action to make motorway bridges safer.
Family's urgent plea
Lisa Ramsden, 57, said: “Nobody should have access to motorway bridges, and I honestly thought most of them were sealed. If someone wants to harm themselves, regardless, they’re going to do it, aren’t they? There should be campaigns to make it safer on motorway bridges. She was very bubbly but Emma but very private. A lot of people never knew she suffered with her mental health.”
Lisa said Emma had been sectioned when she was 13 years old due to an eating disorder.
Campaign launched by sister
Emma's sister Alicia Grailey, 14, aims to launch a campaign and petition to block off the access points. Alicia said: “Help should always reach people before they reach the motorway. As a community, we can make a huge difference and save lives.”
Speaking about her sister, Alicia added: “She could be quiet but she could be really bubbly and having a joke with people. She was really caring and a really good mum and friend to loads of people.”
Alicia plans to call her campaign ‘Safe Before the Motorway’ and is hoping the community will get behind it. Alicia said: “I'm asking the community and other parts of the country to remember the name Emma Ramsden and her story because Emma had a life before this tragedy. Myself and my family want to try help prevent more suicides happening due to poor infrastructure. Help should always reach people before they reach the motorway. As a community, we can make a huge difference and save lives.”
When life is difficult, Samaritans are available day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org.
