Trainee Metro driver takes on six endurance events
NexusA former police officer is taking on a series of extreme physical challenges to raise cash for a mental health charity he credits with saving his life.
John Loraine, now a trainee Metro driver, enjoyed his previous job with the Northumbria force but over the years aspects of it impacted on him badly.
He was referred to Climbing Out, an outreach service supporting adults following life-changing injuries or trauma, which he said brought him "back from the brink".
The 37-year-old, from Gosforth, Newcastle, is tackling six endurance events to raise money for the charity, in many cases carrying a heavy weight on his back, to show "whatever weight we carry we do not have to carry it alone".
He has already carried out two of them: a 76 mile (122km) Isle of Arran Expedition carrying his own kit, and the Great North 10K wearing a 5kg (11lb) vest.
Within the next 30 days the aim is to complete the MacMillan Mighty Hike - 13 miles (21km) in a 15kg (33lb) vest, the Para's 10 Tab – 10 miles (16km) with a 16kg (35lb) military backpack, and the 52 mile (86km) Longmynd Hike in Shropshire.
He will also take part in the Great North Run in full police uniform, which he still wears as a volunteer special constable.
Loraine's struggles with mental health were overcome with the help of Climbing Out to whom he was referred through Northumbria Police occupational health.
"The amazing charity brought me back from the brink," he said.
"They were absolutely incredible, I wouldn't be where I am today without them."
He is among the first group of recruits to train solely on the new Metro fleet, something he describes as exciting, and has been fitting the preparation for his challenges around that.
"The motto I'm sticking with is that it's not about competition, it's about completion", he said.
"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."
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