Digby the dog saves a woman's life

Digby the dog has helped to save a woman who was considering taking her own life. 

***TRIGGER WARNING SUICIDE***

Editor's Note: This incident actually occurred outside of our usual coverage area, but the woman involved could easily have been from the South Hams. It doesn't matter where you're from, mental health issues can affect anyone at any time and therefore we think it deserves highlighting. Especially when there is an exceptionally adorable hero involved, as there is in this story. 

Digby is a 'diffusing dog' who works with the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service. He was brought along by a quick-thinking member of a DSFRS crew to a incident where a woman was considering taking her own life on a bridge over the M5 near Exeter. 

A spokesperson for DSFRS said: "We were at the incident as part of a multi-agency response. Police negotiators were speaking with the woman but the situation was becoming increasingly worrying.

"When Digby arrived, the young woman immediately swung her head round to look, and smiled. This got a conversation started about Digby and his role at the fire service. She was asked if she would like to come and meet Digby, if she came back over the railings, which we are pleased to say she did."

Digby's day-to-day job is to help crews who have been exposed to trauma during talking therapy ‘diffusing’ sessions.

We wish the woman involved all the best in her recovery.

If you need someone to talk to, contact Samaritans on 116 123 or visit http://orlo.uk/bZpAR. 

1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem of some kind each year in England. Its OK to not be OK. Visit the mental health charity Mind for more information www.mind.org.uk  

Good boy Digby. 

Image: Digby - credit Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service