Graduate thanks paramedic who saved her after she tried to take her own life

A graduate who has recently completed her psychology and criminology degree has thanked the paramedic who saved her life after she harmed herself during a mental health crisis.

Anjali, 24, and her parents Geeta and Anil met Paramedic Alex Pugsley at Whipps Cross Ambulance Station to say thank you for looking after her when she had tried to take her own life in January 2024.

Mum Geeta and Dad Anil discovered that Anjali had hurt herself at home and they called 999.

Crews from London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance arrived immediately and stablished Anjali. She was handed over to the medical team at the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel where she received surgery and further treatment that saved her life.

Anjali, from Walthamstow who’s now a mental health advocate for North East London NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“Words will never truly express the gratitude I feel for the ambulance crew who saved my life. At the time I did not want to be saved.

“I never imagined my life would take the turn it did. It was the most painful and isolating period of my life.

“Yet thanks to them I have been granted a second chance at life, where I am happier and healthier than before. This has given me the opportunity to help others which has enriched my life with a renewed sense of purpose.

“However, this would not have been possible without the swift intervention of the ambulance crews and all the other healthcare professionals that enabled my recovery.”

Mum Geeta said:

“It is unimaginable seeing your child like that.

“At work, I am the school’s first aider, but seeing your child in a life and death situation is something else entirely. Nothing prepares you for the fear, helplessness and uncertainty in such a desperate situation. It is every parent’s worst nightmare.

“They didn’t just save Anjali – they saved the whole family. Mental health affects us all and please reach out if you need help. Your voice matters and you are needed in this world.”

Alex Pugsley was one of the paramedics who tended to Anjali that day and met with the family.

He said:

“It was so lovely to meet Anjali and see that she is doing so well. I can’t even imagine how hard it must have been for her and the family.”

Against all odds, Anjali has fought to make an excellent recovery and is now helping Londoners seek the care that they need.

Geeta added:

“I’m just so proud of her. It’s important that people can see that there is a road to recovery after such an experience.”

More than two million Londoners experience poor mental health every year and our team of specially trained mental health clinicians provide expert and compassionate care to around 9,000 patients a month.

If you want someone to talk to, you can contact the Samaritans– day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.