Metro driver on track for epic charity challenge

A trainee Metro driver is going the extra mile for charity by tackling six gruelling endurance challenges covering a combined 170 miles.

John Loraine, who joined Nexus in June, is taking on the events to raise money for Climbing Out, Samaritans and Macmillan Cancer Support.

The 37-year-old from Gosforth spent 17 years with Northumbria Police before beginning his new career, and was referred to Climbing Out shortly before leaving the force.

The charity supports adults following life-changing injuries, illnesses and trauma, with John crediting its support as instrumental in his recovery from mental health difficulties.

His fundraising programme includes a 76-mile Isle of Arran expedition carrying his own kit, the Great North 10K wearing a 5kg vest and the Macmillan Mighty Hike half-marathon with 15kg.

John will also tackle the Great North Run in full police uniform, the ten-mile Para’s 10 Tab carrying a 16kg military bergen and the 52-mile Longmynd Hike through the Shropshire hills.

He has already completed the first two challenges.

John says carrying additional weight during several events represents the personal battle involved in overcoming trauma.

He 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.”  

John added: “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 £1000 and maybe more.”

The challenges are being fitted around his training with Nexus, where he is among the first recruits learning to drive exclusively on the new Metro fleet.

John, who waited four years to secure the role, is also continuing to volunteer as a special constable, allowing him to wear his police uniform for the Great North Run.

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.” 

Kevin Storey, operations director at Nexus, added: “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.”

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.