A Darlington postwoman who lost a “funny and kind” friend to suicide is to take on two mammoth feats to raise awareness of suicide prevention and mental health.
Nikki Gaynor has been a postwoman in Darlington since 2021 and is planning to walk the length of the North East next month.
She is also set to walk south from Darlington in the summer, raising money for If U Care Share, a non-profit organisation that supports families affected by suicide.
Nikki shared why she is taking on the two epic feats.
She said: “If U Care Share really helped me when I was impacted by suicide. I lost my friend Michael to suicide a few years ago and when I found out, I got help from them.
Nikki on her walk last year (Image: NIKKI GAYNOR)
“Michael was funny, kind and always made me laugh. I remember our charity shop adventures with my three girls.
“The North East also has the highest suicide rate in the country. When I found that out, I knew I had to do something.”
Earlier this year, it was reported that Darlington has the sixth highest suicide rate in the country.
It is Nikki’s second walk she has done, as she walked from Darlington to Cornwall last year for If U Care Share. She has affectionately been called The Walking Postie.