Royal Marines mission to raise funds for valued bandmate with Motor Neurone Disease

Flautist and saxophonist  Sophie Ward was diagnosed with the incurable degenerative disease in January this year, aged just 26, and so was born the ’26 for Soph’ challenge – with band members setting themselves various challenges to raise funds for the RMA – The Royal Marines Charity, Dorothy House Hospice Care, and the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

The musicians are organising a number of 26-themed events, including running 26 miles to swimming 1km a day for 26 days, climbing 26 mountains and 26-hour sponsored silences. 

“When we in the Band Service received the news of Sophie's diagnosis, we were naturally shocked and emotional, filled with sadness and a sense of powerlessness,” said main organiser  Lance Corporal Catherine Edington.

“Quickly people's thoughts turned to how we could help Sophie, our valued friend and colleague, at this difficult time. Sophie is a part of our Royal Marines family and always will be.
“#26forSoph came about out of these feelings, and wanting to give back to the charities that have supported Sophie and her family. Raising awareness and funds for them was what we felt that we could do for Sophie.”

Sophie  receives hospice at home care from Dorothy House, as well as several respite breaks at their centre in Winsley near Bradford upon Avon.

The Royal Marines Band from HMS Collingwood staged a  marching display at Dorothy House in late June, with Sophie moved in her bed on to the patio adjoining her room to listen and watch her beloved band, accompanied by her husband, Richard – a fellow Royal Marines musician – and the other patients and staff at the hospice.

On the grass of the hospice in brilliant summer sunshine her colleagues – in full uniform – marched and performed a playlist chosen by Sophie to the delight of all.

Richard cannot speak more highly of the support provided by the RMA - The Royal Marines Charity over the past few months, making the adjustment to life post-diagnosis more manageable, and Dorothy House have provided valuable respite care for Sophie and the family throughout this time. MNDA are the national charity for research into MND diagnosis and treatment. Funds from the campaign will be split between these three charities.

“We are honoured to be undertaking these challenges in Sophie's name,” added Catherine.

“She is enormously brave for facing this diagnosis with such defiance and for allowing her story to be shared. 

“We hope to emulate that in our challenges, and bring her some joy along the way as she keeps track of what we all get up to.

“There are physical challenges, artistic challenges, weight-loss challenges, food challenges... 

“Some are as teams others individual efforts. And while the intention was for Sophie's Royal Marine colleagues to be undertaking these, we are delighted to have more of her friends and family from outside the Royal Marines joining in too.”

Sophie, from Warminster, joined the Royal Marines Band Service in September 2020. As well as the flute, she also plays the saxophone. Her husband, a Lance Corporal from Newport in South Wales, has been a Royal Marines musician 12 months longer and plays solo cornet.

To follow the challenge, please visit #26forSoph - JustGiving page, or search @26forSoph on Instagram or Facebook.