They have stuck together through thick and thin.

But New Mill couple Claire Leaver and Chris Hewitt are about to prove they are an unbreakable force when they saddle up on a momentous tandem cycle challenge together.

Engaged to be married, Claire, 34, and Chris, 30, have set their sights on completing a tough 100-mile ride through the unrelenting hills of the Peak District in a bid to raise money for Meningitis Now as a tribute to Claire’s dad Kevin, who died of the disease.

Although more used to running as members of Holmfirth Harriers Athletics Club, the Penistone Road pair have signed themselves up to the Wiggle Peak District Punisher on September 27 so that they can fulfil their aim before they get married in December.

“As runners, the thought of cycling 100 miles is hard enough, but doing it on a tandem makes it even more challenging”, said Claire.

“But we’re determined to complete it in my Dad’s memory.”

Claire suddenly lost her dad to the disease, an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord, in 2000 when she was still in her teens.

She said: “A few days into the new millennium my dad, aged just 50, died from meningococcal septicaemia within five hours of being rushed into hospital.

“We lost an incredibly kind and loving man who was so dear to us all.”

The Penistone Road pair have signed themselves up to the Wiggle Peak District Punisher
The Penistone Road pair have signed themselves up to the Wiggle Peak District Punisher

Symptoms of the disease, which affects around 2,000 people in the UK each year and can be fatal, include having a red rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it, high fever, sickness, agitation, rapid breathing, drowsiness and having a stiff neck and dislike of bright lights.

Survivors can be hit with life changing limb amputation, hearing loss, seizures and brain damage.

Claire and Phil want to support Meningitis Now’s funding of research into the disease.

“By supporting the work of Meningitis Now we want to try and reduce the number of people who have to suffer the loss of a loved one and make sure that everyone affected by meningitis gets the support they need”, she said.

They are being supported in their efforts by Meningitis Now fundraisers, such as Claire’s mum, Lesley, a community ambassador.

She said: “I’m incredibly proud of Claire and Phil and I know Kevin would be too.

“I’ve told her to just make sure there are no broken bones before the wedding!”

Sally Gillespie, the senior community fundraiser, said: “We’re really grateful to Claire and Phil for their support, and wish them well for a successful challenge.

“Their story illustrates that meningitis can affect anyone at any time.

“Taking part in events makes a real difference to those who are at risk and those whose lives have already been changed forever because of it.”

To support Claire and Chris’s efforts, go to www.justgiving.com/Claire-Leaver