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 one year as a charity, Maddy’s Mark has been able to commit funds to bring rugby to 1000 girls, having donated just over £25,000. 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 one year as a charity, Maddy’s Mark has been able to commit funds to bring rugby to 1000 girls, having donated just over £25,000. 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
Past Events
Where we are making a difference
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.
“A meeting with Simon from Maddy’s Mark very much highlighted the synergy between the work of Bristol Bears Community Foundation and the values of Maddy and her family” said Community Development Manager Craig Capel. “We are extremely grateful for the support of the partner charity in helping to fund a girls' rugby programme at a time of need across our region. The movement in RFU age grade boundaries for girls makes the Eagle Project very relevant in supporting teams across the combination to develop junior girls' sections. We all look forward to celebrating the impact of the programme with our friends from Maddy’s Mark.”
Maddy’s Mark was 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. Simon Lawrence from 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. Please contact Geraint Lewis for more details – glewis@bristolbearsrugby.com
To donate please click here to go to our Just Giving page
“A meeting with Simon from Maddy’s Mark very much highlighted the synergy between the work of Bristol Bears Community Foundation and the values of Maddy and her family” said Community Development Manager Craig Capel. “We are extremely grateful for the support of the partner charity in helping to fund a girls' rugby programme at a time of need across our region. The movement in RFU age grade boundaries for girls makes the Eagle Project very relevant in supporting teams across the combination to develop junior girls' sections. We all look forward to celebrating the impact of the programme with our friends from Maddy’s Mark.”
Maddy’s Mark was 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. Simon Lawrence from 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. Please contact Geraint Lewis for more details – glewis@bristolbearsrugby.com
To donate please click here to go to our Just Giving page
Where we are making a difference
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.
During our programme, not only will there be an introduction to rugby but there are also 4 presentations / company visits, which will take place by experts and professionals in their field of education and career development. The aim is to create further avenues into prospective employment.
Three schools such as The Mathew Arnold School will provide 10 students from each school for the project.
The students are chosen by the teachers at each school, as they know their needs and requirements.
Our project is concentrating on
Core Values and Leadership
Resilience
Social Media including entrepreneurial skills.
Marketing and Communications, including networking / relationship-building and problem solving.
Apprenticeships and Work Experience
To donate please click here to go to our Just Giving page
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.
In the media
22nd May Shine Radio Link
https://omny.fm/shows/petersfieldstories/the-growing-womens-rugby-charity-based-in-sheet
5th November ITV Interview
https://omny.fm/shows/petersfieldstories/the-growing-womens-rugby-charity-based-in-sheet
5th November ITV Interview
