A Macclesfield couple are cycling the length of the country on a tandem.

Ali Davies and her partner Archie Thorneycroft are preparing to embark upon a mammoth cycling challenge in aid of The Christie.

After being diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, a rare bone cancer, in 2021, Ali underwent a surgery which saw part of her arm removed and replaced with part of her leg.

Adjusting to her new body has been tough but she now feels ready to take on the near-1,000-mile cycle.

Ali, 28, said: "A couple of years ago I wouldn't have thought I could do this.

"It's all such a whirlwind so you don't really think too far in the future.

"Especially when I had just come out of surgery, it was a really long time before I could get on a bike or do anything."

She added: "Everyone in the North West has some connection to the Christie.

"The work they do is quite literally life-saving.

"When I was in treatment I never dreaded going which I think says a lot about the staff, they made it as good as they could in such a bad situation."

Ali and Archie are cycling for The Christie (Credit: Ali Davies)

Growing up in Macclesfield, Ali was a keen hockey player and climber.

However, the surgery forced her to reevaluate her capabilities.

She said: "It completely disrupts your life.

"You feel like a different person after.

"There are lots of sports I now can't do. It's been a challenge but also quite fun figuring out what I can still do and finding ways of adapting."

Adapt she did, with Ali and boyfriend Archie purchasing a tandem bicycle, Charles, so she could cycle without putting too much pressure on her arms.

"We've both ridden plenty before but it's just so different," Ali said.

"As the back person you have to give away all control and trust to the front person."

The couple will set off on Friday, April 18 (Credit: Ali Davies)

The couple will set off from Lands' End on Friday, April 18.

Over the course of 16 days they will cycle around 1,000 miles, finishing at John o' Groats.

Ali said: "We're just excited to get going now.

"We're both quite challenge-drive people and I've wanted to do a fundraiser for a while but nothing quite felt big enough.

"Archie's dream is to one day cycle to Istanbul so this is kind of a test-run for him."

At the time of writing, Ali and Archie have raised just over £2,800.

You can follow their journey on Instagram and donate by visiting their JustGiving page here.