Broadcaster Linda Sinclair recalls how she saved woman from suicide attempt

A broadcaster who helped stop someone from taking their own life has urged Scotland’s first aiders to come forward ahead of an awards ceremony that credits them for their work.

Linda Sinclair, 53, lost a family member to suicide in 2018, and last year used her personal experience to prevent a woman from attempting suicide on an Orkney beach.

Thursday is World Mental Health Day and the broadcast journalist remembers how she saw the woman while working in the Orkney Islands.

Ms Sinclair, of East Dunbartonshire, was out for a morning swim on Inganess beach when she saw a woman walking in the middle of the road and not moving aside for traffic.

Ms Sinclair, who was still in the sea at this point, said: “I watched her crying, take off her shoes and walk fully clothed into the water.

“Automatically I knew something was wrong, so I went to her aid.”

Ms Sinclair led the woman back to dry land, but she immediately turned around and walked back towards the water.

Ms Sinclair said: “She was clearly in a very distressed state, and I couldn’t stand by and watch.

“I didn’t have my phone with me, so I ran to the road and flagged down a man asking him to call 999.

“A policeman and another member of the public, who I understood to be a friend of the lady, arrived quickly.

“It seemed like time was passing by and she was still in the water. I couldn’t understand why no one was helping.”

The broadcaster then returned to the water in a second effort to save the woman.

She said: “I don’t know how long I was in there with her for. I wasn’t focused on time, I just wanted to get her to safety.

“I spoke to her about her life and her family and reassured her that ending her own life wasn’t the answer, nor was it her only option.”

She added: “Although she was a stranger, it made me think about my family’s experience.

“I wouldn’t want any other family to suffer in the way ours has.”

When she eventually persuaded the woman to return to the shore, she saw emergency services waiting for her.

“When we got back to shore, we were met with paramedics, lifeguard volunteers and more police,” she said.

“The lady didn’t say anything but gave me a huge bear hug before going with the paramedics.

“I’ll never forget the feeling I got when she hugged me. I’m sure it was her way of saying thank you.”

She added: “I don’t have any formal experience in first aid or mental health first aid training, but I believe my personal connection to the topic is one of the reasons I wanted to help.

“If I didn’t have those instinctive feelings, the outcome could have been very different.

“It’s bittersweet but I am glad that my personal understanding helped to prevent another family from the most indescribable pain.”

It comes ahead of the St Andrew’s First Aid Scottish First Aid Awards 2025, and Ms Sinclair has encouraged emergency responders to enter.

She said: “A lot of people have called me a hero and said I’m so brave for stepping in, but I don’t see it that way, I just instinctively reacted.

“However, I am proud of myself and hope that others come forward and nominate those who have saved a life across Scotland.

“As a result of this experience, I would highly recommend getting trained in mental health and emergency first aid to everyone.

“You just never know, one day you might be the lifeline someone needs.”

Stuart Callison, chief executive of St Andrew’s First Aid, said: “Each year we are overwhelmed to hear of the number of courageous people across Scotland, like Linda, who have stepped up and stepped in during emergency situations.

“We know all too well that had Linda not intervened, the outcome of the story could have been drastically different.

“We want to encourage those who have saved a life, or know of someone who has displayed first aid excellence, to come forward and nominate for this year’s awards, to ensure these heroes get the recognition they deserve.”

Nominations for the awards, in nine categories, are open with the charity encouraging entries for the event which will take place in Glasgow on March 28.

To nominate an individual, or organisation for an award, visit www.firstaid.org.uk/get-involved/fundraising/events/scottish-first-aid-awards/

Help and support is available now if you need it. The Samaritans can be contacted any time, from any phone, free on 116 123, email at jo@samaritans.org, or visit samaritans.org to find your nearest branch. Details of other services and more information can be found on the NHS website here.