The family of a 'caring' mum who tragically took her own life on a motorway has issued a heartbreaking appeal following her death.
Emma Ramsden, a mum-of-two and carer, left her family home without anyone knowing in the early hours of the morning on April 10 and headed for the M621 motorway. A few hours later, police told her family she had had gained access to the motorway, just below Asquith Bridge, and had been struck by a vehicle.
The 34-year-old, from Morley, near Leeds, sadly lost her life. Her family is now campaigning for motorway civilian access points to be secured from public entry, reports Leeds Live.
Family's campaign for safer motorways
Emma's mum 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 revealed Emma had been sectioned aged 13 due to an eating disorder. Emma's sister, Alicia Grailey, wants to establish a campaign and petition to secure the access points.
Sister's plea for community support
Alicia said: "Help should always reach people before they reach the motorway. As a community, we can make a huge difference and save lives."
Discussing 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 intends to name her campaign 'Safe Before the Motorway' and is hoping to gain the support of the local community. 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."
