Postwoman from Darlington ran 5km every day of 2024

Nikki Gaynor talked about battling through chest infections and “awful” weather in order to complete her runs every day after finishing her monumental 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.

Just minutes after completing her final run she set her sights on walking 30 million steps this year as well as taking on her first marathon and running the Great North Run.

(Image: Northern Echo) Over the year, Nikki has been joined by friends and well-wishers on her runs around Darlington and even organised a selection box appeal which saw hundreds of treats given to children impacted by suicide.

Every day she has posted about her run along with a quote of the day – aiming to share positivity and kindness to anyone who needs it.

(Image: Nikki Gaynor) Nikki said: “It’s been hard but it has been so amazing. It’s a cause I’m so passionate about.

“I just feel like I have to do something to raise awareness for mental health and do my bit.

(Image: Nikki Gaynor)“On the bad days when I was tired I had this voice in the back of my head telling me to make a difference.

“I have gone out with chest infections and run through them. I also had a trapped nerve at one point. I just kept pushing through it.”

(Image: Nikki Gaynor) Looking ahead at what is next Nikki committed to trying to increase the difficulty of her challenge yet again. In 2025 she is planning on tackling 30 million steps which is 80,000 a day.

In her day job as a postwoman she estimates on average she walks 28,000 steps but this new challenge will be even harder than her challenge this year.

(Image: Nikki Gaynor) She said: “I currently do a lot of walking in my day job and I’m out doing that six days a week.

“I would encourage everybody to try running or walking, the exercise can make you feel so good.

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“No matter how you are feeling a couple of minutes can completely change your mood.

“I’m also planning on taking on my very first marathon and doing the Great North Run.”

Nikki has been raising money for If You Care Share, a Chester-le-Street based charity which supports people affected by suicide.

Anyone can contact Samaritans FREE any time from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit. This number won’t show up on your phone bill. Or you can jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org