EVENT INFORMATION

Please join us on Sunday 19th January, as we come together to support our beloved Old Verlucian, Sophie. This special fundraising event is organised in honour of Sophie, who holds a cherished place in our hearts and community.

We are encouraging friends, staff, OV’s and pupils, to take part in our ‘Spin for Soph’ and 'Shine for Soph'. Spin - Each participant will spend at least 26 minutes on a piece of gym equipment - spin bike, rower or ski machine. Shine - Mr Crinion is setting up a carwash station outside the TA Hall so you can have a shiny car when you complete your challenge. Our wonderful musicians will be involved in keeping the upbeat music going throughout and our PE staff will be on hand to lead activities. We are delighted to confirm a performance from The Brass Holes Brass Band - A brass party band based in Hampshire and Devon, formed from members of the Royal Marines Band Service! We are hugely grateful to the team at Studio Belle for lending us spin bikes and staff to lead the activities.

To sign up please make a donation on this page and then email ivy@warminsterschool.org.uk to book your slot on our equipment. We are asking that the minimum donation for each half hour slot is £26.00 and the same for a carwash. However, any donations are gratefully received and any non spinners (we understand it is not for everyone) are welcome to just come and support on the day. The event will run from 10am to 4pm so please indicate your chosen on the hour or half hour time slot and we will do our best to accommodate you. We hope to also give you the option to order the corresponding t-shirt for the event. Slots will fill up fast so don't delay!

Old Verlucian, Sophie Ward (nee Bourne) left Warminster in 2016 to study music at Chichester University. She was a boarder in Northdown and Stratton House, a school prefect and a stalwart of the music department. Sophie 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 in 2023, and some lengthy investigations, sadly 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, and Sophie is now restricted to blinking to communicate.

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