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Postal Worker's 400-Mile Trek Raises Awareness for Mental Health
23 Aug
Summary
- Postal worker Nikki Gaynor walked over 400 miles to raise awareness for mental health and suicide prevention
- Gaynor lost her best friend to suicide and wanted to get people talking about their feelings
- Gaynor has been adding names of loved ones lost to suicide to her top as she walks
In a powerful display of resilience and compassion, a Royal Mail postal worker named Nikki Gaynor has embarked on a remarkable 400-mile journey to raise awareness for mental health and suicide prevention. Gaynor, who is originally from Launceston, Cornwall but now lives in Darlington, County Durham, began her trek on August 11th.
Gaynor, affectionately known as "The Walking Postie," was motivated to take on this challenge after losing her best friend to suicide. Determined to make a difference, she set out to highlight the mental health crisis, particularly in the north-east of England, where the suicide rate has been the highest in the UK, averaging six people per week.
As Gaynor has walked, she has been adding the names of loved ones lost to suicide to her top, a poignant tribute to those affected by this devastating issue. "One suicide impacts up to 135 people," Gaynor explained, "so after finding that out and losing my best friend, I knew I had to raise awareness to try and save as many people as I possibly could."
Gaynor's journey has been supported by a Royal Mail driver who has been following her to ensure her safety. On average, they have been covering between 30 to 39 miles per day. As of August 23rd, Gaynor was on the "last stretch" of her trek, having walked from Okehampton to Launceston.
