An Ipswich martial arts fighter has been nominated for a bravery award after rescuing a stranger. Jason Galyean, who runs Embrace the Grind gym in Ipswich, intervened after his wife spotted a man on the Orwell Bridge in early February.
Suffolk police have nominated Mr Galyean for a Royal Humane Society award in recognition of his actions. These awards recognise acts of bravery in saving life or effecting resuscitations.
Responding to the Incident on the Orwell Bridge
Mr Galyean said his wife noticed the man while they were driving. “She said, ‘look, there is someone sitting on the edge’ and I just said ‘pull over, pull over’,” he recounted.
He then took immediate action. “I went to grab him. He tried to kick himself off and luckily, I had a good enough grip on him, I was able to drag him over and he put up a fight.”
Mr Galyean spoke to the man, offering words of support. “He said, ‘let me do it, let me do it, I have made my decision’ and I said ‘you have got people who love you, don’t do it. I said to him, ‘God loves you, there are people who love you’ and I cuddled him,” he said.
According to Mr Galyean, the man was more relaxed by the time the police arrived.
Raising Awareness and Community Support
The black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu hopes his actions will highlight the importance of discussing life’s struggles, especially among men. He noted a lack of community spaces where men feel comfortable talking about their concerns.
His gym members have created a community called the Brotherhood, providing a space for open discussion without judgement.
Mr Galyean also suggested implementing signs in crisis areas to offer support to those in need.
Personal Perspective and Call to Action
Mr Galyean, a father-of-three, has faced his own health challenges, having been hospitalised in September due to a bleed on the brain caused by a cavernoma.
He said: “I can’t really take any credit. It wasn’t a choice thing. I would like to think everyone else would act the same. I needed to get to him as quick as I could and let him know it isn’t as bad as he thinks it is. It always gets better. I would like to think he is doing much better now and has a better appreciation of life,” Mr Galyean said.
Whatever you are going through, you don’t have to face it alone. Call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org for more information.