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Nikki Gaynor, 50, from Darlington, lost her best friend to suicide almost 10 years ago, and is doing everything to offer her support
A postwoman who works in Newton Aycliffe is set to take on a 400 mile walking challenge to raise awareness for mental health and to support a suicide prevention charity. After losing her best friend to suicide almost 10 years ago, Nikki Gaynor, 50, from Darlington, is doing all she can to offer support.
The North East has one of the highest rates of suicide in the country, something which Nikki is all too aware of, but she has commended her charity of choice for how much help it gave her almost a decade ago.
She said: “After losing my best friend I was in such a low place, but the support that I got from If U Care Share was honestly amazing and I couldn’t be more grateful for what they do.
“On the 11th August, the challenge starts, and it will be 10 years since he passed on the 12th, so it feels very poignant and special.”
Nikki’s mission will see her travel from the one Royal Mail Delivery Office in Darlington to another in Launceston, Cornwall on foot, stopping off at others across the country to talk about mental health.
On her goal, Nikki also said: “I want to get people talking about mental health, and create open conversations about very difficult topics. I don’t want anyone to ever feel like suicide is their only option, so I think it is so important that we talk openly about it.”
In order to facilitate this dialogue, Nikki is using several methods, including handing out ‘Positive Potatoes’ with supportive messages on them, telling people: “I believe in you, so do your thing”.
Nikki will also be handing out bags of kindness with sentimental items in them, so that she can show people that they are loved and supported while she is completing her mammoth walking challenge.
She added: “The thing that is the biggest honour to me is that I am getting a t-shirt designed, and asking people to give me the names of their lost loved ones to be written on it.
“That way, I will not just be walking for those who have been by impacted by suicide, but running with their loved ones who are sadly no longer with us.
“Ultimately, I feel that if I can put a smile on someone’s face during this walking challenge, while supporting my Royal Mail colleagues from around the country as well, then it would all feel worth it.
“I just want to tell people that someone is here for you, and that you are truly loved.” If you would like to donate to Nikki’s walking challenge, in aid of the If U Care Share charity, visit the fundraising page here.
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How to access support if you need it
If this piece has affected you and you want to talk to someone, there are helplines and support groups available, many of them 24/7.
The NHS Choices website lists the following helplines and support networks for people to talk to.
- Samaritans (116 123 in UK and Ireland) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org.
- Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.
- PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is a voluntary organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
- Mind (0300 123 3393) is a charity based in England providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
- Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts.
- Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying.
- If U Care Share is a suicide prevention and postvention support charity. For free confidential text support text IUCS to 85258.
- James’ Place provide free, life-saving treatment for suicidal men, and those identifying as male, in the North East. Men can refer themselves or be referred by a professional including those working in health and community services, or by a friend or family member.
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