Royal Marines pay tribute to Wiltshire bandmate with MND
Sophie Ward from Warminster has been in care since mid-June
Last updated 25th Jun 2024
A Wiltshire woman with Motor Neurone Disease has had a special tribute from her Royal Marines bandmates.
Sophie Ward, who's a flutist with the Royal Marines, is being cared for at a Dorothy House hospice in Winsley near Bradford-upon-Avon.
The 27-year-old has been in care since mid-June.
The hospice welcomed the men and women of the Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines from HMS Collingwood in Fareham for the special performance.
Sophie was moved outside in her bed to take in the performance, with her husband Richard by her side.
Patients and staff said the display was 'an absolute treat' and 'the most emotional and uplifting experience'.
Following the tribute, 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 RM, Adjutant Major Sam Hairsine RM, Director of Music Captain Phil Trudgeon RM who conducted the band and Bandmaster – Warrant Officer 2 Jamie Gunn RM.
Captain Trudgeon said: "The day was full of a range of emotions as we performed a Beating Retreat with music selected by Sophie."
He added: “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.”
Wayne De Leeuw, Chief Executive of Dorothy House Hospice Care said the performance was moving and joyful.
“Dorothy House exists to do what matters most for people and today exemplifies that. Thank you to Sophie and Rich for giving us the opportunity to share in something so personal, something so very public and something extraordinary,” he said.
Mr De Leeuw added: “Thank you also to the Royal Marines Band for allowing us together as a community to deliver what matters most today to Sophie and Richard.
“The Latin motto for the Royal Marine’s is ‘Per Mare, Per Terram’ – By sea, by land. For one afternoon, I want to add one extra bit; by sea, by land, and through kindness. You brought happiness, but you also made us shed a tear and realise the value life and the things that really matter to people.”