A retired Liverpool couple is preparing to swap the comfort of home for a gruelling 1,000-mile trek from Land’s End to John O’Groats, all in the name of medical research.
Fliss and Rob Shepley have officially announced their plan to conquer the length of Britain this May to raise vital funds for The ME Association.
But they aren’t travelling light.
Rob, a veteran musician with over 50 years of experience, is strapping a ukulele to his bike to ensure the “sound of Liverpool” follows them every pedal of the way.
The duo is taking on the challenge to support the ME/CFS community, a cause close to their hearts due to a relative living with the condition.
By bringing an instrument along, they hope to spark interest and donations from strangers they meet at landmarks like the Wye Valley and the Grampian Mountains.
From the Philharmonic to the Open Road
Rob Shepley is no stranger to the spotlight, having played viola and guitar for The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and performed alongside Jose Carreras.
Speaking to The ME Association, he explained that leaving his music behind simply wasn’t an option:
“I have always taken instruments on holiday with me, and I can’t go away without playing music!
“The ukulele is light and small enough to strap on the bike, and I hope it will help us connect with others while we’re on our ride, so that we can raise awareness of ME/CFS, we hope it’ll be a conversation-starter!”
Fliss, a retired mental health social worker, highlighted the desperate need for a better understanding of the disease, which causes profound fatigue and cognitive difficulties.
Speaking to The ME association, Fliss said:
“We want to increase awareness of ME/CFS.
“There needs to be more research and more support, and raising money for The ME Association, to help fund vital research into the condition, felt like a logical connection.”
Training for the Long Haul
The couple’s cycling journey only began in 2022, and they admit to feeling nervous as May approaches.
Despite the “trepidation” of spending weeks in the saddle, they have committed to a strict training regime to prepare for the scenic but brutal 1,000-mile route.
Fliss told The ME Association:
“There is a bit of trepidation for both of us, sitting on a bike for hours!
“But we’re both on board and starting our training regime.
“Our philosophy now is to try and ride our bikes as frequently as possible, and wherever we’re going, if we can ride, we ride.”
Fliss and Rob are hoping to raise £2,500 for the charity on their monumental musical journey.
You can help be part of that journey with the couple by donating here.
