A chart-topping musician and Macclesfield FC fan is cycling the length of the country.

Ross MacDonald is gearing up to cycle from Land's End to John O' Groats for music therapy charity, Nordoff and Robbins.

Bassist for The 1975, Ross has been in contact with the charity ever since his band received the award for Best Group at their flagship O2 Silver Clef Awards in 2024.

At the ceremony, Nordoff and Robbins client Ruby and her mum Bev spoke of how much music therapy has helped Ruby, who is autistic and has ADHD. 

Ross said: "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.

advertisement

"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."

The 1975 were named Best Group at Nordoff and Robbins O2 Silver Clef Awards 2024 (Credit: JMEnternational)

Ross will be joined by fellow bassist Brian MacDonald, part of the American pop-rock band PVRIS, and their friends, Darren and Matt.

The quartet begin the 1,100-mile route in April, cycling from the most westerly point of mainland England to the northernmost point of mainland Scotland over two weeks.

Funds raised will support the work of Nordoff and Robbins, the UK's largest music therapy charity.

Ross, Brian, Darren and Matt recently took part in one of the charity's music therapy sessions with Ruby and her music therapist, Jered.

Brian said: "The motivation to fundraise for Nordoff and Robbins came from a WhatsApp from Ross.

advertisement

"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."

Brian, Ross, Ruby and Jered taking part in a music therapy session at the Nordoff and Robbins (Credit: Jeremy Banks)

Sandy Trappitt, director of fundraising at Nordoff and Robbins, added: "We're so grateful to Ross, Brian, Darren and Matt for taking on this monumental challenge to help raise money for Nordoff and Robbins.

"As a charity, we're seeing costs increase at every corner, whilst demand has never been higher, so fundraising initiatives like these are so important to us in terms of awareness and donations, helping us train more music therapists and helping more people access music.

"We'll be there in spirit every day cheering them on and hope that people nationwide will join us in supporting the guys on their inspirational journey and help them smash their fundraising target."