Chen Si, a 56-year-old volunteer dubbed the “Angel of Nanjing,” has prevented 469 people from jumping off a bridge in China over the past 21 years. He patrols the Yangtze River Bridge in Nanjing, engaging in conversation with anyone who seems distressed or lingering on the bridge. Chen also physically intervenes to pull people back from the brink and even assists those who have already jumped into the river.
Inspired by a young girl he met on the bridge in 2000, Chen realized that many people contemplating suicide could be saved. He has been patrolling the bridge 10 times a day for nearly 20 years, wearing a red volunteer uniform with the message “cherish life every day.”
Chen has developed an understanding of body language, recognizing signs of internal struggle and hopelessness. He believes that everyone has the potential to turn their life around, encouraging them to find hope even in the darkest of times.
In addition to providing immediate support, Chen uses his savings to rent accommodations and help with other expenses for those he saves. He has helped a young woman raise money for tuition fees and assisted a woman whose husband cheated on her. He acknowledges that simply pulling someone back from the bridge doesn’t solve their underlying problems, but he strives to offer ongoing support and resources.
