During the summer we reported on John Loraine, a Tyne and Wear Metro driver and former police officer, who was completing a series of endurance challenges to raise money for a mental health charity. And now it has been confirmed that he has completed them all after covering 170 miles across the six events.
John Loraine credits Climbing Out as saving his life having been referred to them whilst he was still at Northumbria Police. The charity is an outreach service that supports adults following life-changing injuries, illnesses or trauma.
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.”
The six challenges he completed were:
- 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 a 16kg military bergen
- The Long Mynd Hike – a 50 mile trek in the hills Shropshire
After finishing the final event, John calculated that he was actually two miles short of his target so he plans to make this up with one final event, covering it with a walk or run along the North Tyneside Coast in the last weekend of October.
John added: “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.
“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 raised – almost £2,000 at the time of writing – will be split between three charities: Climbing Out, Samaritans and Macmillan Cancer Support. You can donate towards the quest at https://givestar.io/gs/carrying-the-weight-100-miles-for-mental-health