LIVERPOOL couple, Fliss (66) and Rob (65) Shepley, are planning to cycle 1,000 miles from Land’s End to John O’Groats with a ukulele, to raise funds for The ME Association which helps fund vital research and provides support for people with ME/CFS.

Taking a ukulele along for the ride seemed the obvious choice for Rob who has a strong musical background which goes back more than 50 years.  From taking to the stage at the local miners’ clubs as a teenager, and playing the viola and guitar in The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, to regular appearances at the Proms in the Royal Albert Hall, playing solo classical guitar with Jose Carreras, and now currently playing in a local gypsy jazz band – music is an important part of the Shepley’s lives.  

The couple hope the ukulele will encourage conversation while on their epic journey. Rob explains:- “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!”

The retired couple’s daughter has ME/CFS, and they hope their charity bike ride will raise awareness of the condition. Fliss, a retired mental health social worker, explains:- “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.”

ME (myalgic encephalomyelitis), also known as CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome), is a multisystemic disease. Symptoms include profound fatigue, sleep disturbance, post-exertional malaise, cognitive difficulties and a range of other symptoms including pain, headaches, nausea and intolerance to lights and noise.  

Fliss and Rob’s cycling journey began in 2022 when they purchased a tandem bicycle.  They have since bought individual bikes on which they will cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats in May this year.  

Fliss says:- “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. We try and do at least one longer ride a week and will be building up the distances as May gets closer.”

The couple will cycle a scenic route incorporating landmarks like Bodmin Moor, the Wye Valley and the Grampian Mountains.  Friends and family are expected to meet them at check-points along the way.

Sarah Harper, Fundraising Officer at The ME Association said:- “We’re enormously grateful to Fliss and Rob for taking on such an impressive fundraising cycling challenge to support The ME Association. Music has a great way of bringing people together, and taking a ukulele along for the ride is guaranteed to spark a few smiles and generate conversations, and it will certainly lift their spirits throughout the 1,000 mile journey!”

Fliss and Rob would like to raise £2,500 for The ME Association.  To donate, please visit their Just Giving page.     

If you have been inspired by Fliss and Rob's story and would like to take part in your own event and fundraise for The ME Association, please visit this website.