Real Life Heroes (2): Don Ritchie
Don Ritchie was a New South Wales Australian who passed away at the age of 85 in 2012. Despite the happily long lived life and naval service in the tail-end years of WW2, Don Ritchie's heroism comes from his post-war days.
Don lived near a section of ocean cliffs in Sydney known as The Gap. Many visit The Gap each year, however the place has slowly garnered infamy for being a suicide spot overtime. Australia estimated that around 50 people each year jump off the cliffs and don't survive.
Over a 45 year period, Don Ritchie would visit The Gap originally for the sights, but in the end to save lives.
Don, and sometimes his wife, would simply approach these people. He would give no counseling, no begging, no prying, no religious mumbo jumbo. He'd simply ask them to join him for a cup of tea in his own home. He would have everyday conversations with them.
For many, all they needed was a listening ear or an act of kindness.
In the 45 years, Don Ritchie officially saved the lives of 180 people although his family and members of the surrounding area easily agree that he likely saved over 400-500 lives.
Don started to save lives for the reasons that he quotes, "You can't just sit there and watch them."
The Medal of the Order of Australia
Citizens of the Year by the Woollahra Council
When giving him the Local Hero Award the National Australia Day Council said, "His 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."
