Born in 1925, Don Ritchie was was an Australian who, over a 45+ year period of time, officially saved 160 people from suicide (although those close to him claim that number is actually closer to 400).

Ritchie resided next to The Gap, a famous cliff in Sydney, Australia, known for multiple suicide attempts. After witnessing several people leap to their deaths there, he began to keep his eye out for potential suicides. Whenever he would see someone suspiciously close to the edge of the cliff, he would simply saunter over to them, make gentle conversation about their troubles, ask them if there was anything he could do to help, and then invite them inside for a cup of tea. With this simple yet brave technique, Don was able to the smoothly convince hundreds of people from taking their own lives.

In 2006, he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for these rescues, and Don & his wife Moya were also named “Citizens of the Year” for 2010 by Woollahra Council, the local government authority responsible for The Gap. He also received the Local Hero Award for Australia in 2011, with the National Australia Day Council noting: “Don’s kind words and invitations into his home in times of trouble have made an enormous difference … With such simple actions, Don has saved an extraordinary number of lives.”

Don passed away quietly in 2012, at the age of 86.

“Always remember the power of the simple smile, a helping hand, a listening ear and a kind word.” ~ Don Ritchie

 

Filed under: In LOVE with Humanity by Scaughdt