He’s a former soldier who spent 22 years in the Army and is now working to keep people safe in the fire and rescue service.
Jonothan Hitchen, Health and Safety Advisor at County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS), had an action-packed military career from the age of 18 that saw him complete 11 operational tours including Northern Ireland, Iraq, and Bosnia.
But the dad-of-two believes his biggest challenge yet will be taking on the Great North Run for the first time on Sunday, September 13.
The 57-year-old from Spennymoor is hoping to raise as much as possible for The Fire Fighters Charity which provides clinical care and wellbeing support to members of the UK's fire services and their families.
Jonothan said: “The half marathon will be the furthest distance I have ever ran.
“At the moment I can hardly run around the block, but I am halfway through the Couch to 5K and plan to build up the distance from there”.
“I have always wanted to do the Great North Run and after spending 10 years in the fire and rescue service, I have seen firsthand the selflessness of our firefighters who dedicate their lives to protect the community.
“While the challenge is to complete the Great North Run, the biggest challenge for me is just getting to the start line.”
As well as completing operational tours, Jonothan, spent time on public duties as a Royal Guard stationed at Windsor and took part in celebrations such as The Trooping of the Colour, The State opening of Parliament and various Royal Guards.
He then joined CDDFRS in 2017 and in that time has held various roles including Community Safety Admin and Community Risk Officer and a period seconded to the LRF.
Looking ahead to the race, Jonothan said the highlight will be crossing the finish line in South Shields where his fiancé Barbara will be cheering him on.
“I will be elated when I reach the finish line, my partner and children have really encouraged me to do this” Jonothan said.
“I will have such a sense of achievement and hope that I will be able to keep up the running and make it part of my normal routine.”
To donate to Jonothan’s fundraiser, visit: Jonothan Hitchen is fundraising for Fire Fighters Charity
