Darlington woman to complete year of daily 5k runs

Darlington’s Nikki Gaynor is set to run her final 5k today (January 2) – 370 days after she first began her running daily challenge.

The 49-year-old, who works as a postwoman in Newton Aycliffe, is a lead mental health ambassador for Royal Mail and often leaves kindness cards with positive affirmations alongside their mail.

Nikki Gaynor. (Image: NIKKI GAYNOR) Over the year, Nikki has been joined by local politicians, friends and well-wishers on her runs around town – and even organised a selection box appeal which saw hundreds of treats given to children impacted by suicide.

As it all comes to an end, Nikki has been reflecting on what a year it has been – and revealed what her new challenge is for 2025.

Nikki Gaynor with friends from Up and Running. (Image: NIKKI GAYNOR) She told The Northern Echo: “Sometimes it has been hard – when I’ve been at work all day I come in and I’m really tired but making a difference and spreading awareness for mental health has always been at the back of my mind.

“One suicide affects up to 135 people – if we can encourage people to chat and talk we can make such a difference.

Nikki running the Great North Run with friends. (Image: NIKKI GAYNOR) “I thought running every day and posting about it on my social media would make that difference. No matter the weather, I’ve always gone out.”

Chronicling her runs on social media, Nikki’s feed includes a collage of smiling faces of friends and supporters who have joined her this year.

Without them, she admitted, she may not have made it through.

She added: “The support I’ve got has been amazing – I’ve had so much encouragement from people who have told me to keep going.

Nikki’s selection box appeal. (Image: NIKKI GAYNOR) “My selection box appeal was also a huge highlight for me – every single child supported by the IfUCareShare organisation received a chocolate box because of it.

“I just want to say thank you to everyone for all their continued support – I don’t know what I’d do without it.

“They all keep encouraging me so every year I can do a different challenge. I want to say to people – please talk if you are struggling – it is okay to not be okay.

“Remember, there is always someone there to support and help you.”

Her final run, where she will be joined by friends, will take place today (Thursday, January 2) at 6pm.

Nikki with IfUCareShare founder Matthew Smith. (Image: NIKKI GAYNOR)

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Now, as one challenge ends, another will begin.

Nikki is hoping to rack up a grand total of 30 million steps in just a year, will continue to run and take on a marathon fitness challenge.

Nikki said: “It is quite a bit of a challenge but I think I can do it.”