Story
Sophie Ward joined the Royal Marines Band Service in 2020 and served as a flute and saxophone player in 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 investigations, Sophie was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in January 2024, aged just 26. She has been incredibly resilient and defiant of her diagnosis, never giving up and never letting its progress get in the way of enjoying life. However, the speed of her deterioration is shocking.
Members of the RMBS are undertaking their own #26forSoph challenges. Individually, or in small teams, they will complete a challenge of 26 “somethings”.
Steve, Eleanor and Edi plan to navigate our way round the Central Fells of the Lake District, bagging 26 Wainwright peaks as we go. The total distance is over 60km and covers over 3000m of ascent. The hope is to achieve this in under 26 hours. We will be self-sufficient throughout, carrying food and collecting water from sources along the way.
Funds will be split between the Royal Marines Charity (RMA) (70%), Dorothy House Hospice Care (15%) and Motor Neurone Disease Association (15%)