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”.

A small team of us are setting out to run 10k everyday for 26 days. This will be a physically and mentally demanding challenge but one we have chosen to push ourselves as we recognise the drive, determination and strength Sophie has shown over recent months since her diagnosis. We will give it all we have and keep you updated with our daily progress and hope to stay injury free!

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