Jonny Benjamin, 26, launched an appeal two weeks ago to find the man who stopped him jumping to his death from Waterloo Bridge in London.
The campaign, which was backed by charity Rethink Mental Illness, was named ‘Find Mike’, and began with a Youtube appeal, Facebook and Twitter campaigns, as well as numerous TV, radio and newspaper interviews.
Gathering momentum, the hashtag #Findmike started, trending in the UK and countries as far afield as Canada, South Africa and Australia.
Celebrities including Stephen Fry, Kate Nash and Boy George tweeted their support and even the Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg backed the campaign.
The search ended when personal trainer Neil Laybourn from Surrey came forward after his fiance saw the appeal on Facebook.
The 31 year-old says he knew immediately that he was the stranger Jonny was looking for.
He said: "I couldn't believe it when I saw the campaign, I got in touch straight away.
"I was so pleased to see how well Jonny was doing, I had thought about him over the years and had always hoped he was ok.
"I wasn't trying to fix his problems that day, I just listened'
"When we met, it was clear how much that encounter on the bridge meant to Jonny, he told me it was a pivotal moment in his life – which was great to hear.
"I didn't feel it was that big a deal, I did what anyone would do.
"I wasn't trying to fix his problems that day, I just listened.
"I can honestly say, hand on heart that Jonny is one of the nicest people I have ever met, he's a great bloke and it's brilliant to see him smiling again.
"We'll definitely stay in touch.”
[ASSETHERE=image]
Following their reunion, Jonny who has a form of schizophrenia, said: "I feel like I've won the lottery – I'm totally elated.
"It means the world to me to finally have the opportunity to say thank you.
"That day on the bridge my life hit rock bottom, but meeting Neil, I felt so happy, it couldn't be more of a contrast.
"It's as though I've come full circle and that chapter of my life has now closed.
"It means the world to me to finally have the opportunity to say thank you"
"He's such a warm, genuine person – everyone should have a friend like Neil.
"This campaign means so much to me, not only because I've found Neil, but I've had the opportunity to speak out about mental illness and suicide.
"I also hope that my story will give hope to other people out there who may be struggling with mental illness.
"I want everyone to know that you can recover and that things can get better.
"I also hope people will be inspired by what Neil did.
"It really shows how the simple act of listening, can be a huge support to someone who struggling with their mental health and we can all learn from that.
The pair finally met during an emotional reunion two days ago (Tuesday 28 January). They gave their first broadcast interview to ITV1’s Daybreak this morning.
Watch their emotional reunion below.