Gosforth Metro driver completes six endurance challenges for mental health

A Gosforth man who drives trains on the Tyne and Wear Metro has finished a punishing run of six endurance challenges, raising almost £2,000 for charity along the way.

John Loraine, 37, of Gosforth, worked for Northumbria Police for 17 years before becoming a Metro driver. According to Nexus, which runs the Metro, he is candid about going through a difficult period with his mental health. Before leaving the police he was referred to Climbing Out, an outreach service that supports adults following life-changing injuries, illness or trauma, and which he credits with saving his life.

Six challenges, 170 miles

John set himself a target of 170 miles across six events:

• Isle of Arran Expedition: a 76-mile expedition carrying his own kit
• The Great North 10K: in a 5kg vest
• The Macmillan Mighty Hike: 13.1 miles in a 15kg vest
• The Great North Run: in full police uniform
• The Para's 10 Tab: ten miles with a 16kg military bergen
• The Long Mynd Hike: a 50-mile trek in the hills of Shropshire

The final four events all fell within four weeks. "I've endured ticks, blisters, chafing, bruises, tendon problems, and minor sprains and burns from carrying all that weight on my back," he said. "The final challenge down in Shropshire was particularly tough going, but I got there in the end."

Opening up about mental health

John told Nexus he was emotional at the finish. "My body has taken a hammering, but I've loved every single minute of it," he said.

"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."

Two miles still to go

After the last event John worked out he had fallen just two miles short of his 170-mile target. He plans to make up the difference with a final walk or run along the North Tyneside coast in the last weekend of October, and is inviting the people who have supported him to join in.

The money raised will be split between three charities, Climbing Out, Samaritans and Macmillan Cancer Support, with an agreed amount going to each. Anyone who would like to support John can still donate through his Givestar fundraising page.

If you are struggling yourself, Samaritans can be reached free, day or night, on 116 123.

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