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 will be undertaking their own #26forSoph challenges. Individually, or in small teams, they will complete a challenge of 26 “somethings”.

Soph is a member of my troop joining in 2020 and I can honestly say I have never met a more smiley, happy, bubbly and positive person in my life. I will be swimming 26 miles over 26 days for her.

Funds will be split between the Royal Marines Charity (RMA) (70%), Dorothy House Hospice Care (15%) and Motor Neurone Disease Association (15%)