The Story of Don Ritchie: Life-saver in Australia

[pioneer]

Don Ritchie lives across the street from the most famous suicide spot in Australia: A cliff known as "The Gap." Most people would move, but Ritchie's stayed for almost 50 yearsâ€"saving an estimated 160 people from suicide.

So what's his big secret? Ritchie wakes up every morning and looks out the window for "anyone standing alone too close to the precipice." If he sees someone who looks like they might be contemplating a jump, he walks over and... strikes up a conversation.

   He just gives them a warm smile, asks if they'd like to talk and invites them back to his house for tea. Sometimes, they join him.

   "I'm offering them an alternative, really," Ritchie says. "I always act in a friendly manner. I smile."

- full story at: http://gawker.com/5563648/meet-the-australian-whos-saved-160-people-from-suicide