Geordie Challenger to RunTheMetro (73.5 miles) in one day for Nacoa

Paul McDougal, aka the Geordie Challenger, is going to to RunTheMetro in a day this Sunday. An attempt to run every part of the Tyne an Wear Metro train service which connects Newcastle, Sunderland, and surrounding areas.

An incredible feat to kick of COA Week 2026 and raise funds and awareness for children affected by a parent’s drinking.

You can donate to his campaign here.

‘The Geordie Challenger’

In 2024, Paul McDougal cycled from Newcastle to Istanbul with his dad.

The journey took 10 weeks and covered 2,500 miles (4,000 kilometres). Proud Geordies to the core, they wore their Newcastle shirts every single day and raised over £2,500 for Movember.

But on Saturday 7 February, Paul is taking on something even tougher — this time to raise funds for Nacoa.

He’ll be running the entire length of northern England’s Tyne and Wear Metro system in under 24 hours. That’s an incredible 73.5 miles (118 kilometres), linking together every stretch of the network from end to end.

And yes — he’ll be wearing his Newcastle shirt for the whole challenge.

Growing up with an alcoholic parent isn’t easy

Like the 1 in 5 children in the UK affected by a parent’s drinking, Paul knows first-hand that growing up with an alcoholic parent isn’t easy.

“When I was a kid, I lived with three siblings — and a kind, patient, caring, loving stepdad,” he says. “Outside that home, I had many other loving and supportive family members — including the best dad anyone could hope for.

“But because of my own shame, and my mother’s expert manipulation, we didn’t tell anyone what life was really like at home. And so, no one knew.”

For many children affected by parental drinking, this sense of secrecy and isolation is all too familiar.

Raising funds to support the next generation

The theme of this year’s COA Week (8–14 February) is The Next Generation.

Paul is running to help ensure that the next generation of children affected by parental drinking don’t have to face it alone, as he did. Every pound raised will help Nacoa provide vital support through our helpline, information, and resources.

“If you’re still living with an alcoholic parent, you show courage every day,” says Paul. “I’m proud of you — and you should be proud of yourself too.

“Do me a favour and show one more piece of courage: pick up the phone and call Nacoa. It really could change your life.”

We’re incredibly grateful to Paul for taking on this extraordinary challenge, and we can’t wait to follow his progress as he runs the Metro for Nacoa.

Good luck Paul – you’ve got this! 

Find out more about Paul by reading his personal experience piece for Nacoa here.