A DARLINGTON woman has almost completed a year-long challenge to raise awareness about a suicide prevention charity in memory of a friend.

Nikki Gaynor has not worn a pair of long trousers in almost a year, and has also been running every day to raise money for County Durham-based If U Care Share Foundation.

She has raised hundreds of pounds so far for the charity, which she had been due to support by taking part in last year's Great North Run.

The 46-year-old said: "That was cancelled obviously because of covid but I didn't want to to stop me doing fundraising.

"Calls to the charity went up by 261 per cent during lockdown – that's massive.

"When I lost my friend through suicide they helped me through.

"They are amazing and so many people don't know about what they do because they are such a small charity."

On the day of the Great North Run, Nikki decided to walk from Darlington Fire Station to the one in Durham, splitting fundraising between If U Care Share Foundation and The Fire Fighters Charity.

The mum-of-three has also been running every day since June 5 and has been wearing shorts every day.

She added: "I haven't worn a pair of long trousers for a year, even in the snow. People come up to me and say I'm mad but I explain why I'm doing it and they give me a pound.

"If it makes a difference then I'll do it.

"It's been a hard year for everyone so I'm trying to make a difference. I was shocked by the statistics.

"That charity is needed so much. It's awful when people are crying out for help.

"They really helped me when I blamed myself.

"I hope I can make a positive difference."

Nikki got help from If U Care Share Foundation, which is based in Chester-le-Street, following the death of popular Hurworth teacher Michael McMonigle – known as Mr Mac – in 2015, and has since become a volunteer.

She added: "Mental health matters now and covid has made it a lot worse."

She is due to complete her running challenge on Saturday, June 5, with a 5k through South Park, in Darlington.

She is also hoping to complete this year's Great North Run, if it goes ahead, for the charity.

Visit her fundraising page here to find out more