Army veteran who served 22 years and 'can hardly run around the block' to take on the Great North Run

A 57-year-old veteran from County Durham who dedicated more than two decades to military service is preparing to face what he describes as his greatest challenge yet.

Jonothan Hitchen, a father of two from Spennymoor, spent 22 years serving in the Army from the age of 18, during which time he undertook 11 operational deployments to locations including Northern Ireland, Iraq and Bosnia.

Despite his extensive military experience, the veteran believes the Great North Run on Sunday, September 13 will test him like nothing before.

He said: "The half marathon will be the furthest distance I have ever ran."

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Mr Hitchen continued: "While the challenge is to complete the Great North Run, the biggest challenge for me is just getting to the start line."

He has been candid about his current physical condition, admitting that he struggles with even basic running at present.

"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," he explained.

"I have always wanted to do the Great North Run," Hitchen added, describing the event as a long-held ambition.

Beyond his operational deployments, Mr Hitchen's military career included prestigious ceremonial responsibilities as a Royal Guard based at Windsor.

During this period, he participated in major state occasions such as Trooping the Colour and the State Opening of Parliament, alongside various other Royal Guard duties.

Following his departure from the armed forces, Mr Hitchen transitioned to civilian life by joining County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service in 2017.

Over the past decade with the service, he has occupied several positions including community safety administration and community risk officer roles, as well as a secondment to the Local Resilience Forum.

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He currently serves as Health and Safety Advisor for the organisation.

Mr Hitchen's motivation for tackling the half marathon stems from his desire to support The Fire Fighters Charity, which offers clinical care and wellbeing assistance to UK fire service personnel and their families.

"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," he said.

His family has been instrumental in encouraging him to pursue this goal, with his fiancé Barbara planning to greet him at the South Shields finish line alongside his children.

To donate to Jonothan’s fundraiser, click here

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