Latest news with #NikkiGaynor
Yahoo
6 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
09-08-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Postal worker to walk 400 miles for mental health charity
A postal worker is preparing to walk 400 miles (249km) around the country to raise money for a mental health "step-addict" Nikki Gaynor is set to walk from Darlington to Cornwall, stopping at Royal Mail offices along the way as part of her mammoth Gaynor began raising awareness for mental health 10 years ago following the death of a close friend and is using her walk to support the If U Care Share will also be handing out knitted toys, called Positive Potatoes, and "bags of happiness" to those she meets along her journey to inspire those in crisis to keep going. "In these bags, you have a teabag, because a brew makes everything better," she told BBC Radio Tees. "A heart, because you're always loved. A star, because that's what you are. A penny, so you're never truly broke. A paperclip to hold things together when everything's falling apart and an eraser to rub everything out." Her walking route will take her from Darlington to Ripon and then down to Leeds, Sheffield, Derby, Birmingham, Bromsgrove, Cheltenham, Bristol, Weston-super-Mare, Taunton, Exeter, and Okehampton, before her final stop at said day four to six of her journey will be particularly "brutal" as she is set to walk almost 40 miles each people are welcome to come out and meet her for a chat during the she warned those who do to bring some plasters. She also said her job as a postie gives her a good opportunity to help people through the simple act of talking to them, as sometimes she can be "the only person someone talks to" all wants others to follow suit and reach out to those who need help. "Just try and talk to somebody," she said. "Just reach out to anybody, even a complete stranger." Follow BBC Tees on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
