Trainee Tyne and Wear Metro driver John Loraine is currently in the middle of six epic endurance challenges as he seeks to raise money for a charity he credits with saving his own life. 37-year-old John is candid about his recovery from mental health issues and is now looking to pay back the charity who helped him recover.
John, from Gosforth, worked for Northumbria Police for 17 years before leaving and starting at Nexus as a driver in June 2026. Just before he left the Police he was referred to a charity called Climbing Out, an outreach service that supports adults following life-changing injuries, illness or trauma.
During his challenges, John will cover a total of 170 miles across the six events. In some of them he will be carrying heavy weight on his back, which he says is representative of the personal battle to overcome trauma.
The challenges (of which two have been completed) will be:
- Isle of Arran Expedition – 76 miles expedition carrying own kit
- The Great North 10k – in a 5kg vest
- The MacMillan Might Hike – a 13.1 miler in a 15kg vest
- The Great North Run – in full police uniform (as a special constable he is able to wear the uniform still)
- 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 will be fundraising for three charities: Climbing Out, Samaritans and Macmillan Cancer Support.
- Donations can be made towards John’s challenges at https://givestar.io/gs/carrying-the-weight-100-miles-for-mental-health