MADDY'S MARK
because not all battles are fought on the pitch
About Us
We are Maddy’s Mark, the charity (number 1200071) we established to remember Maddy Lawrence and raise funds in her name to promote positive mental health and wellbeing in young women, through the sport of rugby.
Maddy sadly passed away in March 2022, aged just 20, after suffering from a rugby injury, whilst playing for UWE, her university rugby team. Despite a courageous fight in hospital, Maddy tragically died of sepsis, two weeks after her injury. She was bright, loving and sporty, described by friends as a shining light in their lives. Within our close and small family she certainly filled our lives with laughter and joy.
In this extraordinarily difficult time, we take comfort in all the good that Maddy has done in her short life and the many people who were touched by her kindness, generosity, and love. It is our dearest wish to continue Maddy’s legacy by forging ahead with the charity we have set up in her name, Maddy’s Mark, which supports the cause she held closest to her heart, young women’s mental health.
In just 18 months as a charity, Maddy’s Mark has been able to commit funds to bring rugby to over 2,000 girls, having donated just over £55,000. It is so beneficial to their physical and mental health. Women's rugby, with its inclusivity and team spirit, not only provides challenge and fitness, but also helps to build self-esteem, long lasting friendships, and a sense of belonging. With your help and inspired by Maddy and all that she stood for; we will be able to help many more girls into all that this sport can give.
And how are we supporting this cause?
By fostering and building young women's confidence, self-image and self-belief through the values of the rugby community.
And by focusing on the standards of teamwork, mutual support and fellowship to help young women harness their own boldness and resilience.
Because not all battles are fought on the pitch.
To donate please click here to go to our Just Giving page
Maddy sadly passed away in March 2022, aged just 20, after suffering from a rugby injury, whilst playing for UWE, her university rugby team. Despite a courageous fight in hospital, Maddy tragically died of sepsis, two weeks after her injury. She was bright, loving and sporty, described by friends as a shining light in their lives. Within our close and small family she certainly filled our lives with laughter and joy.
In this extraordinarily difficult time, we take comfort in all the good that Maddy has done in her short life and the many people who were touched by her kindness, generosity, and love. It is our dearest wish to continue Maddy’s legacy by forging ahead with the charity we have set up in her name, Maddy’s Mark, which supports the cause she held closest to her heart, young women’s mental health.
In just 18 months as a charity, Maddy’s Mark has been able to commit funds to bring rugby to over 2,000 girls, having donated just over £55,000. It is so beneficial to their physical and mental health. Women's rugby, with its inclusivity and team spirit, not only provides challenge and fitness, but also helps to build self-esteem, long lasting friendships, and a sense of belonging. With your help and inspired by Maddy and all that she stood for; we will be able to help many more girls into all that this sport can give.
And how are we supporting this cause?
By fostering and building young women's confidence, self-image and self-belief through the values of the rugby community.
And by focusing on the standards of teamwork, mutual support and fellowship to help young women harness their own boldness and resilience.
Because not all battles are fought on the pitch.
To donate please click here to go to our Just Giving page
Donate
To donate please click here to go to our Just Giving page
Or just open up the camera on your smart phone and point it at this QR screen - you’ll be taken directly to Maddy’s Just Giving page.
Or just open up the camera on your smart phone and point it at this QR screen - you’ll be taken directly to Maddy’s Just Giving page.
Upcoming Events
What we're doing
Maddy’s Mark and Bristol Bears Community Foundation have joined forces to launch the next phase of the Eagle Project. The 2-time parliamentary award winning programme aims to introduce the game of rugby union to girls in year 7 with the intention of supporting longer term engagement and transition to local clubs.
Maddy’s Mark said… “Maddy loved Bristol, so she would be so delighted that her love of rugby could be passed to the next generation. We would like to thank Bristol Bears for their huge help in making our commitment to these young women possible"
The Eagle Project aims to assist clubs in the Bristol region by introducing rugby during curriculum PE sessions at school sites, followed by a festival at a local club to celebrate student engagement and support transition.
With the London Irish partnership, we will deliver a 12-week programme with the aim of engaging girls aged between 15 to 18 years into education and business using the vehicle of rugby.
We are delighted to announce our latest project will be with Exeter Chiefs.
Our partnership will work with 6 Secondary Schools (Girls Only Groups), working with 4 classes of 100 to 120 girls.
This means 600 to 720 girls will be receiving 6 weeks of high quality rugby coaching sessions
And most importantly, we are also in partnership with Give A Ruck mental health charity to offer mental health workshops
Finally, one large festival to promote/fundraise for Maddy’s Mark and celebrate the programme.
With funding from Maddy’s Mark, the Harlequins Foundation would seek to deliver of sessions to girls aged 11-14 from across the Harlequins Heartlands. They will engage 525 participants in Switch using an introduction to Rugby, followed by Mental Resilience Workshop & Barriers to Inclusion Workshop, and finally touch rugby games, programme reflection and transition support.
Maddy's Mark is now also contributing to a Bursary Fund to support female participants within rugby.
Maddy’s Mark are delighted to be partnering with the Saracens Foundation, supporting their ‘Women & Girls Participation’ project. They now are able to launch their first ever project that specifically targets increasing girls’ participation.
Our donation will be utilised to provide playing opportunities for girls in their local community, with the aim to establish as many successful transitions from school participation to registered club players.
Maddy's Mark is excited to be in partnership with Bath Rugby Foundation, where we aim to make a difference in the lives of girls (aged 8-10 years-old) by growing confidence and acceptance in themselves and provide an opportunity for girls to represent their school in rugby and join their local rugby club.
Bath Rugby Foundation will deliver 5 weeks of rugby-based sessions for 3 x schools linked to a targeted grassroots rugby club in BANES and Somerset. The last week will include a festival hosted at the identified local grassroots club.
With our alliance with Wasps FC, we want to increase female rugby participation by providing the opportunity for children from minority groups and different socio-economic backgrounds to experience rugby, by further reducing the barriers to participation by building on the link between schools and Wasps FC club.
"Its been so cool having Wasps FC come in thanks to Maddy's Mark and deliver Rugby to us. I never thought I'd play Rugby - but I love it. I even have my first contact game next week" Freya W, 12
"I've loved our PE lessons over the last 6 weeks. Rugby is so different to our regular sports and I get to tackle my friends- I've really looked forward to my Wednesdays at School. Thanks Maddys Mark and Wasps FC" Mia D, 12
To donate please click here to go to our Just Giving page
Maddy’s Mark said… “Maddy loved Bristol, so she would be so delighted that her love of rugby could be passed to the next generation. We would like to thank Bristol Bears for their huge help in making our commitment to these young women possible"
The Eagle Project aims to assist clubs in the Bristol region by introducing rugby during curriculum PE sessions at school sites, followed by a festival at a local club to celebrate student engagement and support transition.
With the London Irish partnership, we will deliver a 12-week programme with the aim of engaging girls aged between 15 to 18 years into education and business using the vehicle of rugby.
We are delighted to announce our latest project will be with Exeter Chiefs.
Our partnership will work with 6 Secondary Schools (Girls Only Groups), working with 4 classes of 100 to 120 girls.
This means 600 to 720 girls will be receiving 6 weeks of high quality rugby coaching sessions
And most importantly, we are also in partnership with Give A Ruck mental health charity to offer mental health workshops
Finally, one large festival to promote/fundraise for Maddy’s Mark and celebrate the programme.
With funding from Maddy’s Mark, the Harlequins Foundation would seek to deliver of sessions to girls aged 11-14 from across the Harlequins Heartlands. They will engage 525 participants in Switch using an introduction to Rugby, followed by Mental Resilience Workshop & Barriers to Inclusion Workshop, and finally touch rugby games, programme reflection and transition support.Maddy's Mark is now also contributing to a Bursary Fund to support female participants within rugby.
Maddy’s Mark are delighted to be partnering with the Saracens Foundation, supporting their ‘Women & Girls Participation’ project. They now are able to launch their first ever project that specifically targets increasing girls’ participation.Our donation will be utilised to provide playing opportunities for girls in their local community, with the aim to establish as many successful transitions from school participation to registered club players.
Maddy's Mark is excited to be in partnership with Bath Rugby Foundation, where we aim to make a difference in the lives of girls (aged 8-10 years-old) by growing confidence and acceptance in themselves and provide an opportunity for girls to represent their school in rugby and join their local rugby club.
Bath Rugby Foundation will deliver 5 weeks of rugby-based sessions for 3 x schools linked to a targeted grassroots rugby club in BANES and Somerset. The last week will include a festival hosted at the identified local grassroots club.
With our alliance with Wasps FC, we want to increase female rugby participation by providing the opportunity for children from minority groups and different socio-economic backgrounds to experience rugby, by further reducing the barriers to participation by building on the link between schools and Wasps FC club.
"Its been so cool having Wasps FC come in thanks to Maddy's Mark and deliver Rugby to us. I never thought I'd play Rugby - but I love it. I even have my first contact game next week" Freya W, 12
"I've loved our PE lessons over the last 6 weeks. Rugby is so different to our regular sports and I get to tackle my friends- I've really looked forward to my Wednesdays at School. Thanks Maddys Mark and Wasps FC" Mia D, 12
To donate please click here to go to our Just Giving page
Past Fundraising Events
In the media
Maddy's Mark first Information Film
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/8xbid4r3tbt0b7j3lcwm0/Maddy-s-Mark-Film.mov?rlkey=k5m83vrtgzl62iw1jp88urvcl&dl=0
March 2024 Sky News Interview
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWXYRrnellw&t=1078s
March 2024 Shine Radio Interview Link
https://omny.fm/shows/petersfieldstories/an-update-from-petersfield-charity-maddys-mark
22nd May Shine Radio Link
https://omny.fm/shows/petersfieldstories/the-growing-womens-rugby-charity-based-in-sheet
5th November ITV Interview
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/8xbid4r3tbt0b7j3lcwm0/Maddy-s-Mark-Film.mov?rlkey=k5m83vrtgzl62iw1jp88urvcl&dl=0
March 2024 Sky News Interview
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWXYRrnellw&t=1078s
March 2024 Shine Radio Interview Link
https://omny.fm/shows/petersfieldstories/an-update-from-petersfield-charity-maddys-mark
22nd May Shine Radio Link
https://omny.fm/shows/petersfieldstories/the-growing-womens-rugby-charity-based-in-sheet
5th November ITV Interview
