Royal Marines musicians perform heartbreaking tribute for their terminally ill bandmate

Royal Marines musicians have staged an emotional performance for one of their bandmates at a hospice in Wiltshire.

Musician Sophie Ward, who suffers from Motor Neurone Disease (MND), was joined by her husband Lance Corporal Richard Ward, also a Royal Marines musician, for the poignant concert in the grounds of Dorothy House.

Sophie's bed was moved onto the patio adjoining her room so she could see her beloved Band of His Majesty's Royal Marines from HMS Collingwood in Fareham.

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Originally from Warminster, she joined the Royal Marines Band Service in September 2020, playing the flute and saxophone.

The 27-year-old had been diagnosed with MND in January and has been an inpatient at the hospice since mid-June.

In full uniform, her colleagues marched and played a special playlist chosen by Sophie.

At the end of the performance, Sophie was presented with her Coronation Medal, specially mounted in a display case, by the Band Service's Principal Director of Music, Lieutenant Colonel Huw Williams, Adjutant Major Sam Hairsine, Director of Music Captain Phil Trudgeon, who conducted the band, and Bandmaster Warrant Officer 2 Jamie Gunn.

Capt Trudgeon said it had been a pleasure leading the band in the special performance for Sophie and her family.

He said: "The day was full of a range of emotions as we performed a Beating Retreat with music selected by Sophie.

"I felt overwhelming pride as the band played so spectacularly and hope we brought moments of positivity and joy to all friends, family, and staff.

"Sophie will always be a part of our unique Royal Marines Band Service family," he added.