Ross MacDonald of The 1975 and Brian MacDonald of PVRIS are taking on a cycling challenge for Nordoff and Robbins

Ross MacDonald of The 1975 and Brian MacDonald of PVRIS are undertaking a cycling journey from Land’s End to John O’ Groats this April to support the music therapy charity, Nordoff and Robbins.

Accompanied by friends Darren and Matt, they will cover the 1,100-mile route, known as 'LEJOG', from England's southwestern tip to Scotland's northernmost point within two weeks.

Ross comments, “I believe that music therapy really changes people's lives. I’ve seen firsthand what Nordoff and Robbins do, using music as therapy. It breaks down barriers and it transcends language. And it's something that everyone can connect with in their own way. My life is taken up massively by touring and being in a studio, and this challenge is pretty much the most opposite thing I could think of doing. I get to do this amazing ride with three of my closest friends. It's going to be beautiful and horrendous, but will ultimately end with us achieving this incredible personal goal and hopefully raising loads of money for Nordoff and Robbins.”

Brian adds, “The motivation to fundraise for Nordoff and Robbins came from a WhatsApp from Ross. I was on tour and he messaged me saying, ‘do you want to do a big cycle ride? I know you cycle.’ I'm like, ‘barely, but, yeah!’ He explained about Nordoff and Robbins and then I did my own research, and, I just fell right into it and saw how amazing the music therapy work they do is. I'm grateful to be playing a small part in fundraising for this great cause. I'm going to be doing it for the people that will benefit so much from what we can get in terms of donations. That's going to fuel me more than all the electrolytes, gels and carbs combined.”

Nordoff and Robbins is the UK's largest music therapy charity, with over 60 years of practice. It requires £19,000 to train a music therapist over two years. The cycling team aims to raise funds to support this cause, accepting donations through Enthuse at bit.ly/NR-ride.