Maddy's legacy
A charitable foundation set up honouring UWE Women’s Rugby wing, Maddy Lawrence, who died last month (March) having become a much-loved member of the rugby family in her first season playing, has already raised more than £22,000 to benefit two of Maddy’s passions: women’s rugby and young people’s mental health.
Maddy was injured playing for her university second team against the University of Bristol on March 9th, but her family expected her soon to be home to recover.
However, Maddy picked up a bacterial infection, which doctors worked tirelessly to control.
In a statement her family said: “Maddy’s presence, bravery, spirit, goodness, sass, beauty and love will never be forgotten.
“Maddy fought with every sinew in her body, through life saving surgeries every single day of her stay in ICU. Her spirit and desire to live was so strong, as well as her heart and courage, that the medical teams were in awe of her, and she never gave up that fight.”
“So sadly, on Friday 25th March, her body could take no more and we let her go, on to her next adventure with her adoring family by her side.”
They added: “We have been completely overwhelmed and hugely comforted by the outpouring of love and support from you all for our beautiful Maddy and wanted to say a heartfelt thank you from a heartbroken family.”
Clubs around the country held a moment’s applause for Maddy at matches, with applause also at the TikTok 6 Nations England Women v Wales at Gloucester’s Kingsholm Stadium.
On March 30th, her university held a special fundraiser which culminated in a touch rugby tournament and was attended by Maddy’s family.
Her coach, Tom Monks, Head of Programmes at Bristol Sport Foundation said: “Maddy was a coach’s dream, enthusiastic to learn and nothing was too much trouble. She was always smiling but one of the things that stood out was her empathy, the way she always thought of others.”
“At our celebratory event her father addressed the UWE squad, his strength, compassion and gratitude for the team was incredible. From the warmth and care shown by Maddy’s family, I could see why she was such a balanced, beautiful young woman.”
On Instagram, her club wrote: "Maddy exemplified what it means to be a UWE Women’s Rugby player, ‘tackling’ every new skill with enthusiasm. She proudly represented our club both on and off the rugby pitch, growing into the sport and our rugby family.
"Maddy was a bubbly girl who was so fun to be around. Whenever she smiled and laughed you couldn’t help but smile and laugh with her. That was the sort of player, friend, sister and daughter Maddy was.”
“Her everlasting energy has left its mark on this club; she will forever be our number 11 and will forever be our friend. We will be retiring the number 11 shirt in Maddy’s honour and remembrance.”
If you would like to donate, please visit: https://gofund.me/ab5cb957
