A trainee Metro driver is taking on a series of extreme physical endurance challenges to raise money for a mental health charity he credits with saving his life. John Loraine, who joined Nexus in June 2026, is a former police officer who is candid about his recovery from mental health issues.
John, 37, from Gosforth, worked for Northumbria Police for 17 years before becoming a Metro driver. Policing was a job he loved, but he says aspects of it have impacted him greatly. Just prior to leaving the police, he was referred to a charity called Climbing Out, an outreach service that supports adults following life-changing injuries, illness, or trauma.
Six gruelling events
John’s mental health journey has since inspired him to take on some of the toughest physical tests around. He will cover a total of 170 miles across six events, in many cases carrying heavy weight on his back, which he says is representative of the personal battle to overcome trauma. The challenges, the first two of which he has already completed, are:
- 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 16kg military bergen
- The Longmynd Hike – a 52-mile trek in the hills of Shropshire
“They are a big series of challenges that I am taking on, but I am absolutely determined to finish them all,” John explained. “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.”
Charity that 'saved me'
Reflecting on his own mental health journey, John said: “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’s Great North Run challenge will be done in his full police uniform, which he is able to do as he still volunteers as a special constable. His training has been meticulously planned around his new job training to drive the Metro. It is a role he has waited four years to secure, and he is among the first group of recruits to train solely on the new Metro train fleet.
Fundraising goals
Money raised in support of John will be split between Climbing Out, Samaritans, and Macmillan Cancer Support. Kevin Storey, Operations Director at Nexus, said: “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.”
