A Southend music charity has held a 26-minute concert to raise funds for a musician who has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.

The Music Man Project recorded a special concert at the Leigh Salvation Army to support The Bands of HM Royal Marines musician, Sophie Ward.

Sophie Ward has sadly been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease at the age of just 26.

The Southend music group has been collaborating with The Bands of HM Royal Marines since 2022, so they wanted to hold a concert to help raise funds for Sophie.

David Stanley, the founder of The Music Man Project, said: "It has been our absolute honour to collaborate with The Bands of HM Royal Marines since 2022, sharing some truly extraordinary experiences together and making wonderful memories with our new friends.

"When we learnt that Sophie Ward, a talented and much-loved musician in the Royal Marines Band Service, was diagnosed in January with Motor Neurone Disease, aged just 26, we desperately wanted to help in any way we could.

"So our musicians from our headquarters in Southend performed and recorded a 26-minute concert of our music to help raise money for the charities who have support Sophie and her family through such difficult times."

To donate, visit https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/26forsoph