Latest news with #IfUCareShare
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Darlington postie hopes to 'make a difference' with 400 mile walk to Cornwall
A Darlington postie on a mission to raise suicide awareness set off on a 400-mile trip to Cornwall today. Nikki Gaynor is no stranger to being on her feet all day, delivering parcels and letters on her postal route, but today (August 11), she began her "biggest challenge yet". Aiming to raise awareness for Chester-le-Street charity If U Care Share, Nikki, 50, will walk for 12 hours a day over two weeks to reach Launceston. Nikki Gaynor. (Image: STUART BOULTON) Spurred on by the loss of her friend to suicide, the gran will stop at Royal Mail offices on her route to deliver talks, hand out resources, and spread awareness. Nikki set off from the delivery office on St Cuthbert's Way, in a personalised green t-shirt, flanked by friends and supporters who cheered her on. Nikki previously told The Northern Echo: "Along the way, we're going to be handing out If U Care Share inside out packs - because it's suicide prevention day in September. Nikki Gaynor begins her 400 mile walk. (Image: STUART BOULTON) "We're trying to start a conversation about getting what's inside, out, and talk about mental health and suicide prevention as well." This is not the first mammoth effort Nikki has taken on. In 2024, she ran 5k every day, and this year she's hoping to walk 30 million steps. "Being a postie has made me excellent at it. I just really want to make a difference. If I can save one person, I've made a difference," she added. Nikki Gaynor begins her 400 mile walk. (Image: STUART BOULTON) She added: "I'm doing this because I lost a friend to suicide. The If U Care Share foundation helped me through the loss of them, and they were amazing with me. "I wanted to give back, so I've been fundraising for them since 2021. They have saved more than 4,000 people and are so needed in the area. "I want to keep shouting for them and make everyone aware that they are there if you need help." Nikki Gaynor is applauded by the fire service as she sets off. (Image: STUART BOULTON) Read more: Police search for missing Alex who failed to return home this week Darlington man 'Chop Off' strangled mother leaving her fearing for her life County Durham priest enlists TV's Dec to give parish announcement The picture postcard 'chocolate box' village under 2 hours from County Durham- Samaritans is available, day or night, 365 days of the year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@ or visit to find your nearest branch. - If U Care Share on 0191 387 5661 or text IUCS to 85258 - SANE on 07984 967 708, Calm on 0800 58 58 58
BBC News
03-06-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Tynemouth man completes 128 marathons in brother's memory
A man who lost his brother to suicide has completed running a marathon a day for 128 days in his Macpherson, from Tynemouth, North Tyneside, wanted to cover the equivalent of the distance between North Shields and New York, in the United States, where his older brother Connor, who died aged 21 in 2018, wanted to 3,332-mile (5,362km) challenge started at the end of January and finished in his home town on Monday - the day Connor would have turned Macpherson, who also popped the question to his girlfriend Jaimie Walker on the finishing line and was accepted, said he hoped the £60,000 he had raised for charities would make "a massive difference". Mr Macpherson, who carried out the challenge alongside his day job, said: "It's incredible. I've dreamed about it for so long and focused on it, but I've also tried to take a day at a time."It's such a sigh of relief [to have completed the challenge]. "I never really had a doubt in my mind, but I definitely woke up some mornings wondering how I'd get though it."To see so many people giving me support, it's amazing."I've managed to open up and share my story about losing my brother to suicide. I think in doing that, I've given other people the platform to do the same." Money will 'save lives' His initial aim had been to raise £10,000 for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and the mental health charity If U Care Share."I don't think I can quite comprehend the difference it will make yet," he added. "It's a huge amount of money. More than I could've dreamed of."It's going to save lives so it's pretty special." Asked what he planned to do now his running challenge was completed, he replied: "I'll put my feet up."I'm going on holiday on Thursday and I'll relax, get back to normal and try to be healthy and happy."If you have been affected by the issues raised you can visit the BBC's Action Line pages. Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
