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  "path": "/news/army-veteran-great-north-run-spennymoor",
  "publishedAt": "2026-05-11T13:53:56.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "'You need belief!' Britons living in one of UK's most thriving towns reveal secrets to success",
    "Woman runs length of Britain's entire coastline after multiple sclerosis diagnosis",
    "'The best exercise!' Angela Rippon opens up on GB News about new campaign 'to get Britain dancing'",
    "here",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
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  "textContent": "\n\n\nA 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.\n\nJonothan 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.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nDespite his extensive military experience, the veteran believes the Great North Run on Sunday, September 13 will test him like nothing before.\n\nHe said: \"The half marathon will be the furthest distance I have ever ran.\"\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nMr Hitchen continued: \"While the challenge is to complete the Great North Run, the biggest challenge for me is just getting to the start line.\"\n\nHe has been candid about his current physical condition, admitting that he struggles with even basic running at present.\n\n\"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.\n\n\"I have always wanted to do the Great North Run,\" Hitchen added, describing the event as a long-held ambition.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nBeyond his operational deployments, Mr Hitchen's military career included prestigious ceremonial responsibilities as a Royal Guard based at Windsor.\n\nDuring 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.\n\nFollowing his departure from the armed forces, Mr Hitchen transitioned to civilian life by joining County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service in 2017.\n\nOver 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.\n\n### LATEST DEVELOPMENTS\n\n\n\n\n  * 'You need belief!' Britons living in one of UK's most thriving towns reveal secrets to success\n\n  * Woman runs length of Britain's entire coastline after multiple sclerosis diagnosis\n  * 'The best exercise!' Angela Rippon opens up on GB News about new campaign 'to get Britain dancing'\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n****He currently serves as Health and Safety Advisor for the organisation.\n\n\nMr 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.\n\n\"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.\n\nHis 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.\n\nTo donate to Jonothan’s fundraiser, click here\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nGB News is proud to highlight stories that celebrate the very best of Britain.\n\nFrom ultra-marathons to blood donations, Super Grans to Good Samaritans, and even heartwarming acts of kindness, this country has so much to be proud of.\n\nDo you have a local hero? Someone who has gone the extra mile for their community? We'd love to feature their story here on GB News.\n\nSend an email to george.bunn@gbnews.uk.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "Army veteran who served 22 years and 'can hardly run around the block' to take on the Great North Run"
}