Navy News
Direct from the front-line, the official newspaper of the Royal Navy, Navy News, brings you the latest news, features and award winning photos every month.
Taking place at the Alford Schools of Military Music at HM Naval Base Portsmouth, where both the Royal Marines Band and the Royal Corps of Army Music train, the musicians took part in a circuit on the hour, every hour, for 26 hours – all in aid of colleague and friend, Sophie.
Having started at 0600 yesterday, they worked out through the night and completed the challenge at 0800 this morning.
Each circuit was being led by Leading Physical Trainer Sharlotte Fallon and included a variety of workouts from high intensity intervals through to yoga and mobility sessions.
She said: “It seemed like the right thing to do for the school to do something challenging. The 26 workouts make sense because we do a lot of physical training with the trainees, and I think it’s a good challenge for them.
“They support each other well. I’ve got about 18 to 20 signed up to do the whole 26 hours so it’s looking good!”
Sophie joined the Royal Marines Band Service in September 2020 and played the flute and saxophone in the Collingwood band. She met her husband, Rich, in training and they married in April 2023.
After some concerns about her health last year, and some lengthy investigation, Sophie was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in January.
I’m really proud of the way that they’ve approached the challenge so far. It’s great that the School of Music can carry on the great work that the Band Service has been doing.
Director of Music Training at the Alford Schools of Music, Major Steve Green RM
Musician James Talbot went through training with Sophie and took on the full 26-hour fitness circuit challenge. He said: “It’s very sad news, we’re both the same age and she’s a great flute player. It’s certainly hit the Band Service quite hard.”
He continued: “We started just before 6 this morning and we’re going right through to 8 o’clock tomorrow morning, it’s going to be a long few sessions but all for a good cause.”
The Director of Music Training at the Alford Schools of Music, Major Steve Green RM, said: “I’m really proud of the way that they’ve approached the challenge so far. It’s great that the School of Music can carry on the great work that the Band Service has been doing.”
The circuits were just one part of the wider #26forSoph campaign, where Sophie’s colleagues and friends are undertaking their own challenges, completing a series of 26 ‘somethings’ for Sophie. This might be running 26 miles, collectively cycling 2600 km, or walking 26000 steps a day. Some will be climbing 26 mountains, while others endure 26 hours of rowing.
Funds raised will be split between RMA – the Royal Marines Charity, Dorothy House Hospice Care and Motor Neurone Disease Association.Direct from the front-line, the official newspaper of the Royal Navy, Navy News, brings you the latest news, features and award winning photos every month.