Over August 2024, Sam Hairsine, OH 1994-97, swam 26km in the sea, to raise money for three worthwhile charities. He told us more about his reasons for taking on the challenge.

Sophie Ward joined the Royal Marines Band Service (RMBS) in 2020 and served as a flute and saxophone player in the RM Band Collingwood. She met her husband, Rich, in training and they married in April 2023. After some concerns about her health last year and some lengthy investigations, 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. Members of the RMBS are undertaking their own #26forSoph challenges. Individually, or in small teams, they will complete a challenge of 26 “somethings” for Sophie.

I was fortunate to be Sophie and Rich’s Director of Music and Officer Commanding at The Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines, Collingwood until September last year. It was a real joy to not only work with her, but see her and Rich set up their new life together. I also met my wife in the Royal Marines Band Service (although she is now a nurse) so when Sophie and Rich married and started organising the move into their new house, I recognised the feelings of hope, joy and excitement I could see in them. I was fortunate to go and see Sophie with the rest of the band back in June and, like them, felt desperately that I wanted to channel the feelings of sadness and helplessness into something positive to support Sophie.

The #26forSoph team, made up of her friends, have done an unbelievable job. I decided to support the cause by swimming 26km in the sea during August to raise money. It turned out to be harder than I expected! I think I only got the tides in the right direction once and felt pretty fatigued quite early on. However, about 15 hours of being face down in the sea gave me plenty of chance to reflect on how lucky I am, and what an important cause it is. I’m in awe of Sophie, Rich and their families as well as the #26forSoph team for their resilience, determination, spirit and so much more. If anyone is able to support them, please do and if you need inspiration, look no further – it’s certainly worked for me. The fundraising link is here: Samuel Hairsine is fundraising for RMA - The Royal Marines Charity (justgiving.com)

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

Follow for updates on Facebook and Instagram #26forSoph.

Sam Hairsine, OH 1994-97