The family of a Leeds mum who died on the M621 motorway have issued a plea for public access points to motorways to be sealed off.
Emma Ramsden, 34, a mother of two and carer from Morley, left her home unnoticed at 4.30am on Friday, April 10. Hours later, police informed her family that she had accessed the M621 just beneath Asquith Bridge and had been fatally hit by a vehicle.
Family's call for safety measures
Emma's mother, 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?"
She added: "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."
Sister's campaign
Lisa revealed that Emma had been sectioned at the age of 13 due to an eating disorder. Her sister, Alicia Grailey, 14, plans to launch a campaign and petition to close off these 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."
Campaign named 'Safe Before the Motorway'
Alicia intends to name her campaign 'Safe Before the Motorway' and is hopeful of community support. She stated: "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."
She continued: "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 here to listen – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org.
