Metro driver completes six epic endurance challenges

John Loraine, a former police officer who is candid about experiencing a difficult period with his mental health, had set himself a target of covering 170 miles across six gruelling events.

Prior to leaving Northumbria Police, he was referred to a charity called Climbing Out, an outreach service that supports adults following life-changing injuries, illness or trauma.

It was this essential service which John has been supporting through his fundraising, which so far stands at almost £2,000.

The 37 year-old, 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.

As part of his ongoing recovery John has channelled all is energies into his fundraising odyssey.

The challenges John has 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 50-mile trek in the hills of Shropshire

He said: “I was emotional at the finish, knowing that I’d completed all these challenges. My body has taken a hammering, but I’ve loved every single minute of it.

“I’m really touched with how so many people have followed my progress and have given me their support.

“It has encouraged people to open about their own mental health issues too. I’ve had messages from people saying I’ve inspired them to open up.

“A good few people have said to me that my story has changed their perspective on mental health. It shows that talking about it and highlighting the issue can help others.”

At the end of his final challenge John calculated that he has actually fallen just two miles short of his target. He plans to make this up with one final event, covering it with a walk or a run along the North Tyneside coast in the last weekend of October.

He said: “I’ve got two miles left and that will be done here, probably up at the coast. I’m going to ask people who have supported me to come along and do this with me. It will be a really wonderful way to conclude my fundraising.”

He added: “The six challenges I did were all really physically demanding. It’s been a huge test of my fitness, especially as the final four events were all within the space of four weeks.

“I’ve endured ticks, blisters, chafing, bruises, tendon problems, and minor sprains and burns from carrying all that weight on my back. The final challenge down in Shropshire was particularly tough going, but I got there in the end.”

The money John has raised will support three charities. Climbing Out, Samaritans and Macmillan Cancer Support, with an agreed amount being allocated to each.

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