Iain Lee: TalkRadio host sends ambulance to suicidal caller live on air

Broadcaster Iain Lee sent an ambulance to save the life of a suicidal listener who rang his talkRADIO show.

The listener, known only as “Mark”, called in to tell Lee that he had just taken an overdose, prompting the radio host to keep him on the phone for 20 minutes and find out his address.

Mark said: “I’m having a hard time at the moment. I don’t know what I’m doing anymore. I’ve taken tablets.”

To which Lee responded: “All I want you to do is tell my producer your address so she can send an ambulance round.”

When Mark said he did not want to upset his wife, Lee said: “You know what would upset her more? If she found you dead in the morning, wouldn’t it? As a human being, I can’t let you die tonight.

“We’ve got ourselves in a little pickle, but it’s a pickle that can be sorted out quite easily.”

After Mark passed on his address, Lee told him: “You’ve done a really good thing Mark, thank you. The world will not be a better place if you’re dead. It will be an ever so slightly darker place.

“I promise you that, because you’re a good man, and I don’t want you to die.”

Lee later confirmed that Mark was safe. “Just got off the phone to Mark,” he tweeted. “He’s given me permission to say he’s OK. Thanks for the love you’ve sent him. I’ve told him to text me tomorrow.”

This is not the first time Lee has helped save the life of a listener. In 2018, he spoke with a suicidal caller for 30 minutes until an ambulance arrived.

If you are experiencing feelings of distress and isolation, or are struggling to cope, The Samaritans offers support; you can speak to someone for free over the phone, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.

For services local to you, the national mental health database – Hub of Hope – allows you to enter your postcode to search for organisations and charities who offer mental health advice and support in your area.

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