Every day many thousands of people cross London’s Waterloo Bridge. On January 14, 2008, Jonny Benjamin sat precariously balanced on the edge of the bridge, clearly about to jump off.

Many walked on by, but one kind soul decided to take action.

He managed to reach him, calm him and, ultimately, help him off the ledge. Once Jonny was in safe hands, he disappeared back into the crowd – not even leaving his name.

Six years later, Jonny went in search of the man who had earned his gratitude by saving his life.

Jonny didn’t know his name, though he thought it was ‘Mike’.

He knew the man was on his way to work, but he didn’t know where. He thought he was in his late 20s.

The extraordinary true story of Jonny’s seach forms the basis of “Stranger on The Bridge” showing on Foxtel’s Lifestyle channel at 9.30 on September 5.

His search captured the world’s attention. The Twitter hashtag #findmike at times trending higher than #Obama and #Beyonce and followed by 319million people. He appeared on television in 25 countries.

Jonny documented his search with home-recorded video-diaries from day one. He’s tremendously likeable – someone we can all identify with, an ordinary bloke, a brother and a friend with a dazzling smile, willing to share his emotions, resulting in an intimate, engaging film.

He began by handing out fliers on the bridge where it all happened. As his campaign gained traction, he met hundreds of people with their own stories to tell, offering him support and hugs as they past.

Literally hundreds of leads came in and, within a few days there were 38 possible “Mikes” to follow up on. Some were not genuine, but many were – revealing just how many lives had been saved on Waterloo Bridge in or around that one day. Jonny’s was just one of them.

Five of the most likely “Mikes” sent photos but Jonny’s emotional memory of was weak and he struggled to remember what “Mike” looked like.

But one lead was particularly strong. Dr Mike Samy – then a medical student – had saved a young man’s life on that bridge on that day and Jonny travelled to Wolverhampton to meet him. But that young man wasn’t Mike.

So the trail went cold, though the emails and social media messages continued.

“It’s become more than just about finding a stranger for me. It’s about connecting with other people,” Jonny says.

A pivotal moment in the film is his meeting with Lisa Vickery, whose twin brother, Stephen, had jumped from the Tower Bridge in 2008 on their 27^th birthdays.

Jonny was able to explain to her his state of mind at the time – perhaps answering why Lisa’s brother hadn’t talked to her, or left a note explaining his actions.

“It’s just so intense. Nothing else can come in through the wall surrounding you,” Jonny says.

“I saw that as the only way out of it and I couldn’t see past the moment on the bridge. I was drawn towards it.”

Without wanting to spoil the film, Jonny does eventually find the man who saved him and what a beautifully told moment it is.

Turns out that “Mike” was actually Neil Layboum, who had initially asked Jonny “why are you sitting down on the bridge”.

None of us know how we could deal with a situation like Neil’s. We might be like those who walked past, not knowing what to do.

But what this film does prove is that a random act of kindness is possibly all that’s needed in that moment to save a life.

For urgent assistance please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 (24 hour counselling, information and referrals) or the beyondblue Support Service 1300 22 4636.