PVRIS’ Brian MacDonald and The 1975’s Ross MacDonald have revealed that they are to do something extraordinary for the charity Nordoff and Robbins.

The pair, alongside their two friends Darren and Matt, are set to cycle 1100 miles from Land’s End to John O’Groats, from the most westerly point of mainland England to the northernmost point of mainland Scotland, over the space of two weeks. It’s not an easy feat, by far the ultimate cycling challenge there is in this country, nicknamed ‘LEJOG’, but they are doing it for a very good cause.

That is to raise money for Nordoff and Robbins, who train music therapists to help everyone from people with dementia reconnecting with family to autistic children to find their voices. It costs £19,000 to train a therapist over two years, and the work they do is absolutely vital and incredibly life-changing.

Ross had this to say about the challenge and raising money for such a special cause, stating, “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.”

Whilst Brian added, “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.”

You can donate to the pair right here.