The family of a 34-year-old mother who died after gaining access to a motorway have made an urgent plea for changes to prevent similar tragedies. Emma Ramsden, from Morley, Leeds, was struck and killed by a car on the M621 on Friday, April 10, after leaving her family home unnoticed at around 4.30am.
Her mother, Lisa Ramsden, 57, and sister, Alicia Grailey, 14, are now campaigning to have pedestrian access to motorways blocked off. They hope to prevent other suicides by improving infrastructure on motorway bridges.
Family's tribute to Emma
Lisa described Emma as “very bubbly but very private,” adding that “a lot of people never knew she suffered with her mental health.” Emma had been sectioned at age 13 due to an eating disorder, according to her mother.
Alicia spoke of her sister's caring nature: “She could be quiet but she could be really bubbly and having a joke with people. She was really caring and a really good mum and friend to loads of people.”
Campaign for safer motorway access
Alicia plans to launch a campaign and petition called ‘Safe Before the Motorway’ to block off access points. She said: “Help should always reach people before they reach the motorway. As a community, we can make a huge difference and save lives.”
Lisa expressed her shock that such access was possible: “Nobody should have access to motorway bridges, and I honestly thought most of them were sealed. If someone wants to harm themselves, regardless, they’re going to do it, aren’t they? There should be campaigns to make it safer on motorway bridges.”
Community support sought
Alicia is asking the community and people across the country to support the campaign. She said: “I'm asking the community and other parts of the country to remember the name Emma Ramsden and her story because Emma had a life before this tragedy. Myself and my family want to try help prevent more suicides happening due to poor infrastructure.”
The family hopes that by raising awareness and improving safety measures, they can save lives and ensure no other family has to endure a similar loss.
