A Darlington Firefighter is set to take on the Great North Run to raise funds for a mental health charity close to his heart.
Jon-Paul Chilvers joined County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) in July following a fire service career that has spanned more than a decade and seen him work in America, Lincolnshire and Hertfordshire.
It was the 38-year-old’s love of the North East that inspired him to make the move and he’s already embracing life in the region by signing up to take on the iconic half marathon on Sunday, September 8.
The dad-of-one hopes to raise around £600 for the Mental Health Foundation after tragically losing friends to suicide.
Jon-Paul, who is originally from Lincolnshire and now works on Darlington Red Watch, hopes his efforts will also raise awareness of mental health issues and the importance of talking to someone.
“Over the last few years, I have had quite a few friends sadly take their own lives and also have friends currently going through mental health issues,” he said.
“Mental health affects so many people and I think we need to encourage people, particularly men, to talk about how they are feeling.”
The Great North Run will be Jon-Paul’s first half marathon and the Firefighter hopes to complete the race within two and a half hours.
Jon-Paul said: “I’ve been doing my training runs around Darlington between night shifts and it’s helping me learn where everything is!
“I’m not the quickest runner but I am really looking forward to it.
“I keep speaking to more and more people in the Service who are also doing it, so it should be quite fun!”
To support Jon-Paul by making a donation to the Mental Health Foundation, click here.
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