James McVey and Brad Simpson of The Vamps are swapping mics for bikes as they tackle a cycling challenge to raise funds for men's health charity, Movember.
Fresh from the release of their number one fifth album, McVey and Simpson will ride approximately 60 miles in one day to help in the fight against suicide and poor mental health in men.
The ride will take place on 22 November, with the distance representing the poignant statistic that we lose 60 men around the world to suicide every hour.
With male mental health a cause close to their hearts, the duo hopes the ride will help start conversations which could ultimately save lives.
Originally, the pair were to be joined by Movember ambassador Nick Frendo, videographer Dean Sherwood, manager Matt Voss as well as Ribble Cycles Ambassador Cameron Jeffers. However, to follow COVID rules, the ride will now be done in pairs.
Ribble Cycles are supporting the ride, and the Preston brand are also giving away a Ribble CGR SL bike worth £1,599 as a prize to help encourage additional fundraising.
Keen to raise as much for the charity as they can, the group are inviting others to take on the Miles for Movember challenge by safely cycling as far as they see fit, with the goal of 1,000 cumulative miles.
They're asking anyone who wants to get involved to post a picture of their ride on social media with the hashtag #MilesForMovember and to donate whatever they can to the charity.
One contributor will win a Ribble CGR SL bike - the same model James will ride on the challenge. Brad will be riding the Ribble CGR 725.
The Vamps lead guitarist James McVey said: "We all know 2020 has been a rough year and mental health has taken a hammering. We want to do our bit to help guys out there who might be struggling.
"While raising as much as we can for Movember is the goal, I hope this cycle will also encourage people to reach out to the men in their lives and have those tough conversations, because ultimately, talking saves lives.
"It'd be great to see as many people getting involved in the ride as possible. So get out there on November 22 and get posting your #MilesForMovember pics!"
Movember's Country Director for UK and Europe, Anne-Cecile Berthier, said: "If there's ever been a time to embrace Movember, it's now in 2020. It has been an incredibly difficult year for men, which makes this year's campaign our most important yet.
"We're thrilled to see global stars like The Vamps wanting to help change the face of men's health. We'd love to see as many members of our community taking on the #MilesForMovember challenge as possible.
"Every donation, no matter how small, adds up. Getting involved in Movember is also a great way to stay connected within your own social circles. It's been shown that supporting others can improve your own wellbeing.
"With the help of our community, Movember will continue funding and applying research to prevent our fathers, brothers, partners, sons and friends, from dying too young."
If you'd like to donate, you can do so online at movember.com/t/thevamps.
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