Hampshire security guard saves woman from M27 bridge

Gary Waller was driving home from work when he saw a figure standing on a bridge on the M27.

After pulling over, he approached the woman and convinced her to walk down with him.

The next day, his employer received a surprising email. 

The woman said: "I would like to say to you that you have a great guy working at your company, and without him, I wouldn't be here today."

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The 43-year-old father-of-three said he knew something wasn't right when he saw someone by the motorway bridge.

"I finished my shift at around 2am and was driving back home when I saw a figure standing by the bridge," he said.

"I pulled in and parked my car nearby.

"A few other cars behind me also stopped, and I asked one of the drivers if he could call the police." 

Gary Waller (Image: Newsquest)

As he approached the figure, he saw a distressed woman shouting "don't come near me". 

Instead of panicking, Gary made jokes to lighten the mood. 

He also consoled the woman by telling her: "You’re better than this, and you don’t deserve to do this. 

"I can't say anything positive about what you have just been through other than that tomorrow is a new day and you can turn a corner and walk the other way." 

After talking the woman around, Gary stayed with her until the police and ambulance arrived. 

"It felt like ages, but after 40 minutes or so, the emergency services came around. 

"I think I got home after 3am."

Security guard Gary Waller (left) and boss Marcel Cullers (Image: Newsquest)

In an email thanking Gary for his actions sent to Security Nations in Hardley, the woman said: "I hope this is the right company. If I remember correctly, I would like to thank one of your staff, he saved my life.

"I was in a bad way and couldn't see a way out. 

"He (Gary) stopped the car, turned around, and he spoke to me so calmly.

"He even told me some corny jokes to make me smile, which it did. 

"He managed to talk me over the barrier and talk me around."

She added: "Please, can you let him know that I am getting myself sorted out? 

"Much love to you, Security Nation, and this man who saved my life." 

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Smiling at the email, Gary, who lives in Portsmouth, said: "It was a big relief that she was okay and getting the help that she needed." 

Gary's boss, Marcel Cullers, said: "I didn't even know what happened when I received this email. I had to do a little bit of digging to find out that it was Gary who saved this woman's life. 

"Usually, when people see us, they think that we are just security guards and nothing more than that but we are trained in a lot more than that." 

Marcel added: "Gary is a professional staff trained to recognise signs of sexual exploitation, anti-terrorism, and child abuse; all of these things are part of the things that we train our guys in." 

Marcel Cullers, founder of Security Nations in Hardley. (Image: Newsquest)

• If you are affected by any issues mentioned in this report, contact the Samaritans 24/7 on the free helpline 116 123.