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#26FORSOPH achievements go above and beyond
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13 March 2025
At a very special event at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines in Lympstone, members of the Royal Marines Band Service gathered to recognise the remarkable achievements of those who have taken part in the #26forSoph campaign.
It was also a special moment for the campaign as they handed over the funds raised in 2024 to the nominated charities.
#26forSoph was launched in July last year by members of the Royal Marines Band Service, to raise money for the charities who have been supporting a Royal Marines Musician, Sophie Ward aged 26, as she navigates her devastating diagnosis with Motor Neurone Disease (NMD).
Sophie joined the Band Service in 2020, married fellow Bandie, Rich in 2023, and after some concerns about her health and lengthy investigations, was diagnosed with MND in January 2024.
The campaign has seen people undertake "26 something for Sophie" to raise funds and show their support, whether that be running 26 miles, walking 26,000 steps a day for 26 days, climbing 26 mountains, knitting 26 items etc. Hundreds of challenges have been undertaken, by Sophie's friends, colleagues, schoolmates, and complete strangers.
The event was primarily for the purpose of handing over the money raised during 2024 to the charities, so it can start to be used for their crucial work. £88,084.03 was handed over to the RMA - The Royal Marines Charity, who received 70% of the funds, Dorothy House Hospice Care, and the Motor Neurone Disease Association, who each receive 15%.
It was also an opportunity to reflect on the remarkable challenges, to reward some key fundraisers who have gone above and beyond, as well as set a vision for what the campaign looks like moving into 2025.
Campaign organiser, Lance Corporal Catherine Edington said, "While this is not the end of the campaign, the handing over of the 2024 funds presented an opportunity to reflect on what has been an incredible show of love and support for Sophie.
“I am so grateful to everyone who has supported us in some way. It has been a true showcase of what the Royal Marines family can do under the worst circumstances, and today has encompassed that beautifully."