The Stranger on the Bridge

16 April 2015

On 14 January 2008 Jonny Benjamin went to Waterloo Bridge with the intention of taking his own life. A stranger who happened to be walking along the bridge that day stopped and managed to talk him down. Jonny was subsequently taken to hospital by police. He assumed he’d never see the stranger again.

He never had the chance to thank the Good Samaritan he named 'Mike' for what he did that January morning, which Jonny attributes to helping him turn things around.

The 'Finding Mike' campaign began six years later when Jonny launched his search to find him. The campaign exceeded all his expectations by going viral around the world. Its hashtag #findmike trended on Twitter in the UK and overseas, and the story was shared by thousands on social media. Meanwhile, Jonny was giving interview after interview to national and international media as word of his story spread around the world.

The film ends with Jonny finally being reunited with the real ‘Mike' in a very emotional meeting, in which he finally gets to say thanks and close the chapter on this difficult period of his life.

This film is about hope. It shows how one act of kindness can change the world.

Director: Sam Forsdike
Executive Producer: Richard Bentley
Production Company: Postcard Productions
With thanks to Rethink Mental Illness

 

Samaritans provides 24-hour emotional support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or thoughts of suicide. Its number is 08457 90 90 90.

For advice and media guidance on how to report on suicide visit Samaritans.org.