The family of Maddy Lawrence, a 20-year-old UWE student who tragically died after picking up an injury while playing rugby, has spoken of their heartbreak after losing their "beautiful" girl.
Maddy was playing for the UWE women's second team against the University of Bristol when she was injured while being tackled on March 7. The injury was non-life-threatening but she developed a severe bacterial infection that was unable to be controlled.
Sadly on March 25 the 20-year-old winger, known as Twinkle Toes, passed away from the infection leaving her family and friends devastated.
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Ms Lawrence’s family spoke of their heartbreak and said: "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.
"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.
They added: "So sadly on March 25, 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.
"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."
The family said they would set up a charitable fund in her name.
UWE Rugby said in an Instagram post: “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. Rest in peace our beautiful girl.”
Tom Monks, head of UWE Women’s Rugby Union, said: “Maddy was an absolute pleasure to coach. She wanted to learn and appreciated every playing opportunity that her dedication warranted.
“The unity and togetherness of this year’s squad is the strongest I’ve ever felt in my 20 years of coaching and Maddy’s beaming smile and warmth embodied the incredible bond we have.”
A university spokeswoman said: “Everyone in the UWE Bristol community is profoundly shocked and saddened by the death of our student and talented UWE Women’s Rugby player Maddy Lawrence. We would like to pass on our deepest condolences and sympathies to Maddy’s family, friends and teammates, at this very difficult time.”
Elsewhere in the rugby community, the RFU said in a tweet: “On behalf of everyone at the RFU, we extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of Maddy Lawrence. The thoughts of everyone in the game are with UWE Women’s Rugby, their players, members and the wider rugby community.”
While Premiership rugby side Wasps paid tribute to Maddy before their Premiership Rugby Cup match against Saracens on Tuesday night.
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