The family of a 20-year-old university rugby player say she died after picking up an infection while being treated in hospital for a match injury.
Maddy Lawrence died on Friday, March 25, more than two weeks after being taken to hospital after being hurt while playing for UWE Bristol women's second team against the University of Bristol on March 7. In a statement released by the university on behalf of the family, they say their beloved daughter's injury was not life-threatening but she died with a bacterial infection and underwent "life-saving surgeries every day" that she was in intensive care.
They have paid tribute to her "presence, bravery, spirit, goodness, sass, beauty and love".
Her family 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. 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 continued: "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. We are in the process of setting up a charitable fund through which Maddy will be able to continue her giving and her grace. 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."
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."
In an Instagram post, UWE women’s rugby club said: "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."
