Save the date! 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.

Old Verlucian, Sophie Ward (nee Bourne) left Warminster School 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.

Members of the Royal Marines Band Service have been undertaking their #26forSoph challenges. Individually, or in small teams, they have completed a challenge of 26 “somethings” for Sophie which our community would have seen on Warminster’s social media accounts.

Ivy House are also encouraging staff, OV’s and pupils, to take part in ‘Spin for Soph’. A fundraising spinathon to support #26forSoph. Each participant will spend 26 minutes on a piece of gym equipment, wonderful musicians will be involved in keeping the upbeat music going throughout and our PE staff will be on hand to lead activities.

On the same day, Mr Crinion will be leading ‘Shine for Soph’ – a car wash with a difference! Mr Crinion and his team of expert car washers are aiming to wash 26 cars throughout the day.

Lisa Crinion, Sophie’s former Housemistress comments, “We would love to see our community taking part on the 19th January to support in any way they can – from taking part in the Spin for Soph, washing cars, baking treats to provide sustenance for our spinners or making a donation. Please get in touch via ivy@warminsterschool.org.uk if you would like to support.”

Funds will be split between the RMA – Royal Marines Charity (70%), Dorothy House Hospice Care (15%) and Motor Neurone Disease Association (15%) The Royal Marines Charity have been providing personal and financial support to Sophie and Rich since Sophie’s MND diagnosis. Dorothy House have provided valuable respite care to Sophie and her family. The MNDA is a national charity which provides support, education and funds research into MND.

To take part please contact Ivy House ivy@warminsterschool.org.uk and make your donation here.

Your support means everything,

Lisa Crinion & Sophie Saunders – Ivy House