Dorothy House Hospice Care recently played host to the Royal Marines Band Collingwood who performed to patients, staff, volunteers, but most importantly to two of their band members – musician Sophie Ward and her husband, Lance Corporal Richard Ward.
The Royal Marines Band at the hospice in Winsley | Image © Dorothy House Hospice Care
Sophie, 27, who has Motor Neurone Disease, is an inpatient at the hospice.
The newlyweds were part of the Royal Marines Band, based at HMS Collingwood.
Thanks to Richard, who’s currently serving in the Royal Marines Band based at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines at Lympstone, the Collingswood Band travelled by coach to Winsley on 18th June and, in beautiful sunshine, played in full marching uniform for Sophie one last time.
Captain Phil Trudgeon RM, Director of Music of the Collingwood Band, said: “I had the immense pleasure of leading the band to perform for Sophie and her family at Dorothy House Hospice.
“The day was full of a range of emotions as we performed a Beating Retreat with music selected by Sophie.
“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.”
At the end of the performance, Sophie, who played flute and saxophone in the band, was presented with her Coronation Medal by senior members of the Royal Marines.
The presenting officer was Principal Director of Music Lieutenant Colonel Huw Williams RM, alongside Adjutant Major Sam Hairsine RM, Director of Music (conducting the band), Captain Phil Trudgeon RM, and Bandmaster Warrant Officer Second Class Jamie Gunn RM.
Sophie’s husband Richard said: “We’re eternally grateful to Dorothy House for putting on this event for us. It’s been wonderful to arrange for the Royal Marines Band Service to come and visit us with a performance especially for Sophie.
“Dorothy House is set in such a beautiful location; it was the perfect setting for the band to come and play for her.”
He added: “It was a wonderful day, and the weather was incredible. The staff are absolutely exceptional there – they also looked after the family in the best way they could as well as Sophie, and we’re eternally grateful for that. It’s such a happy, relaxed, and wonderful place to stay. Thank you so much.”
Wayne De Leeuw, chief executive of Dorothy House Hospice Care, said: “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.
“Thank you also to the 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 Marines is ‘Per Mare, Per Terram’.
“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.”
Staff at Dorothy House are passionate about providing personalised care to patients at home, across the community or on the inpatient unit in Winsley.
The Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Service is run jointly by Dorothy House Hospice Care and the Royal United Hospital. The service offers a single point of contact and ongoing support for patients with MND, their families and carers.
