Life on the Edge

In 2004, Maggie Lane fell to her death from the cliffs at Beachy Head. While trying to come to terms with this tragic event, her husband, Keith, sought solace by going back to the spot from which she had jumped. It was then that he saw a woman about to throw herself over the edge; Keith managed to persuade her not to do it. From this point on, Keith made it his mission to patrol the area in the hope of saving more lives. In this dramatic and heart-rending book, Keith tells of his own personal despair at the loss of Maggie and how, in his darkest hour, his only wish was to join in her ending his own life; he tells of how his own existence was given meaning once more when he realised that he could help those in desperate need; he recalls with clarity and emotion those he has assisted and he tells of finding love and hope in the form of his new wife Val. Keith also divulges how, reluctantly, due to local disputes and criticism of his work, he has been forced to give up his vigil. Keith is a man who understands the value of human life and has truly earned the nicknam bestowed upon him, The Angel of Beachy Head.

Following his wife Maggie's death at Beachy Head, Keith Lane patrolled the infamous cliff tops for over three years, persuading people not to take their own lives. He was awarded a Royal Humane Society award in September 2004 for his bravery after he prevented a woman jumping. Since Maggie's death he has remarried and he lives with his wife, Val, in Eastbourne. Keith has two children.