Royal Marines Band Service unites behind terminally ill musician in fundraising effort

A remarkable fundraising campaign has seen hundreds take on challenges based around the number 26 in support of Royal Marines Musician Sophie Ward, who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

The #26forSoph campaign was launched in July last year by members of the Royal Marines Band Service, who wanted to help the charities supporting Sophie as she navigates her diagnosis.

Since then, participants have completed challenges ranging from running 26 miles to climbing 26 mountains, walking 26,000 steps a day for 26 days, and even knitting 26 items.

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Hundreds of people – including Sophie's friends, colleagues, schoolmates, and even strangers – have joined in, raising more than £88,000.

An outpouring of support

Sophie, 26, joined the Band Service in 2020 and married fellow musician Rich in 2023.

After months of uncertainty and medical investigations, she was diagnosed with MND in January 2024.

MND is a progressive neurological condition that affects the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis.

Determined to show their support, members of the Band Service created the #26forSoph challenge, which quickly gained momentum across the wider Royal Marines community and beyond.

£88,000 raised for charities

This week, fundraisers gathered at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines in Lympstone to hand over £88,084.03 to the campaign's nominated charities.

RMA - The Royal Marines Charity received 70% of the funds, while Dorothy House Hospice Care and the Motor Neurone Disease Association each received 15%.

Lance Corporal Catherine Edington, who organised the campaign, 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."