Metro driver takes on six epic endurance challenges

John Loraine, who joined Nexus in June 2026, is a former police officer who is candid about his recovery from mental health issues.

John, 37, of Gosforth in Newcastle, worked for Northumbria Police force for 17 years before becoming a Metro driver. Policing was a job he loved, but he says that aspects of it have impacted him greatly.

Just prior to leaving the police he was referred to a charity called Climbing Out, an outreach service that supports adults following life-changing injuries, illness or trauma.

John’s mental health journey has inspired him to take on some of the toughest physical tests around.

He will cover a total of 170 miles across six gruelling events, in many cases carrying heavy weight on his back, which he says is representative of the personal battle to overcome trauma.

The challenges, the first two of which he’s already completed, are:

• Isle of Arran Expedition – 76 mile expedition carrying own kit
• The Great North 10K – in a 5kg vest.
• The MacMillan Mighty Hike – a 13.1 miler in a 15kg vest.
• The Great North Run – in full police uniform.
• The Para’s 10 Tab – a ten miler with 16kg military bergen
• The Long Mynd Hike – a 52-mile trek in the hills of Shropshire

John said: “They are a big series of challenges that I am taking on, but I am absolutely determined to finish them all.

“I think that I can do it. I’m a mix of confident and anxious. I’ve already got through two of them, and my aim is to complete the next four in a 30-day period. It’s going to be intense. I maintain a good level of fitness and I’ve been training hard.

“I’m very open about my own past struggles with my mental health, which I’ve had to overcome. My time in the police had a big impact on me.

“The Climbing Out charity really saved me. I was referred to them through occupational health. They brought me back from the brink. They were absolutely incredible. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. I want to give something back to them as it’s such an amazing charity. I am hoping to raise £1,000 and maybe more.”

John’s Great North Run challenge will be done in his full police uniform, and he is able to do that as he still volunteers as a special constable.

His training has all been meticulously planned around his new job training to drive the Metro. It’s a role he has waited four years to secure, and he is among the first group of recruits to train solely on the new Metro train fleet.

He added: “I’m excited to become a Metro driver. It’s great to have secured this new opportunity. At the same time, I’m working away in my spare time preparing for all the endurance challenges.

“The focus is all about completion. The motto I’m sticking with is that it’s not about competition, it’s about completion.

“The same mantra applies to mental health, it’s all about getting through it and coming out well on the other side. Whatever weight we carry, we don’t have to carry it alone.”

John’s fundraising efforts will be split three ways. As well as raising money for Climbing Out, he is also planning to donate to the Samaritans and Macmillan Cancer Support.

Kevin Storey, Operations Director at Nexus, said: “John is taking on some immense physical challenges. We wish him well with it. We’re all rooting for him.

“He’s supporting some worthy causes. It takes inspiration from his own recovery from mental health issues. It’s an amazing story of healing and empowering his new life after trauma.”

Anyone who would like to support John can do so at: https://givestar.io/gs/carrying-the-weight-100-miles-for-mental-health