Sophie joined the Royal Marines Band service in 2020. Sophie is from an army family, and has lived in Germany, Canada and Zimbabwe - quite well travelled for someone so young.

Sophie studied music at Chichester University, gaining a BMus Music Performance. She met her husband, Rich, in training for the Royal Marines. They married in April 2023, only months before her devastating diagnosis.

She plays the flute and saxophone, serving in HM Royal Marines Band Collingwood, along with Catherine and the other musicians performing today.

Despite only being in the Royal Marines for three years, she has performed at incredible venues across the UK, including the Tower of London, Horseguards Parade, and at the funeral of HM Queen Elizabeth II. She has also performed at military tattoos abroad in Canada and Switzerland.

After some concerns with her health last year, and some lengthy investigations, Sophie was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in January 2024. 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.

Donations will go to further adaptations to the family home and help to increase her quality of life. Also to help pay for accommodation for the family to spend precious time with Sophie when she is in hospital.