Old Pats teams observed a Minute's Applause for Maddy Lawrence this weekend
Following the very sad news of the death of 20-year-old UWE Bristol student and rugby player Maddy Lawrence the GRFU requested, in line with the wishes of Maddy’s family and UWE team-mates, that a Minute’s Applause took place before every Women’s, Men’s and Youth match in the County in memory of Maddy.
In a statement her family said: “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 25 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.”
Maddy’s family plan to set up a charitable fund, aimed at supporting women’s rugby & the mental health of young people. Please see link below:
”On behalf of everyone at the Old Pats, we extend our deepest sympathies to Maddy’s family, friends and teammates at this tragic time.”
Matt Cape – Club Chair
Alistair Armstrong – Junior Chair
Old Pats First Team
Old Pats Colts
Junior teams
