News / UWE Bristol
‘Maddy’s presence, bravery, spirit, goodness, sass, beauty and love will never be forgotten’
The family of Maddy Lawrence has said that they expected her to be “home by the weekend” after going into hospital following an injury during a rugby match.
Instead, the 20-year-old tragically died on Friday, just over two weeks after being injured in a tackle while playing for UWE against the University of Bristol.
In a statement, Maddy’s family said that they “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”.
is needed now More than ever
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“Ever since Maddy started playing rugby at UWE she has loved every moment of it. During the last match of the season, she sustained an injury which was not at all life threatening. She went into hospital and we believed that she should be home by the weekend.
“Tragically, she had picked up a bacterial infection that the acute team tried tirelessly to get under control. 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.
“Maddy’s presence, bravery, spirit, goodness, sass, beauty and love will never be forgotten and is felt all around us and in us and always will be.”
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The family and friends of Maddy are currently in the process of setting up a charitable fund “through which Maddy will be able to continue her giving and her grace”.
The family statement added: “As this is so recent we know that women’s rugby and the mental wellbeing of young people are two areas which will benefit from this fund, but we will keep you all posted regarding this as it develops.
“It would be Maddy’s and our greatest hope that you will all stay with us over the years as we watch this grow and flourish in her memory to provide hope, love and joy to countless people and thus keep her close always.
“Again, thank you so much for your words of comfort, memories of Maddy, thoughts, prayers and love. Please keep them coming. We find much strength from them.”
Main photo: Lawrence family
Read more: Tributes paid to UWE rugby player Maddy Lawrence who has died following injury
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