TWO men who won a life and death struggle on a 40ft high bridge at Gorsley to prevent a suicidal woman jumping to her death on the busy M50 motorway below are to receive one of the country's top rescue honours.

Had Richard Haynes, aged 43, of Talbot Cottage, Linton, and 61-year-old Peter White, of Phelps Way, Tibberton, failed and the woman had succeeded in jumping she could have caused a major motorway pile-up.

Now Mr Haynes is to receive a Royal Humane Society testimonial on parchment and Mr White a commendation from the Society.

They have also won the personal praise of Major General David Pennefather, secretary of the society.

"Mr Haynes put himself in serious danger in his bid to stop this woman jumping," he said.

"He could easily have been pulled to his death on the busy motorway below but, without a thought for himself, acted to save this woman's life. Thankfully Mr White turned up to help him. They both thoroughly deserve these awards."

Jump

The incident happened at shortly after midday on June 10. The Humane Society citation says Mr Haynes was driving past when he spotted the woman standing on the outer side of the safety barrier. When he approached her she said she was going to jump.

Despite the risk that he could be pulled over, he managed to grab hold of her over the top of the barrier and held her round the waist to prevent her from jumping.

As she struggled and tried to break free he attempted to attract the attention of CCTV and passers-by but without success.

Ten minutes later Mr White arrived and held on to the woman for a further five minutes. Then two men from the Highway Agency arrived and the woman was lifted over the barrier .

Maj Gen Pennefather has also appealed for information from the public about people who have put their lives at risk to save others or who have carried out a successful resuscitation.

"We are always keen to have rescue and life-saving incidents brought to our attention. We consider there are probably many such incidents which merit awards but which are never brought to our notice," he said.