Petersfield to the Parthenon.

Some of you may already know about my niece, Maddy Lawrence, who sadly passed away in March, 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. She was certainly a shining light in our close and small family and her passing has left a gap that can never be filled.

In this extraordinarily difficult time, we take comfort in all the good that Maddy had 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 two causes she held closest to her heart, women’s rugby and mental health therein.

To this end we are planning a number of fundraising events. One of which is a cycle ride from ‘Petersfield to the Parthenon’. My fiancé, Phil and I, are attempting to cycle from home to Athens, a journey of over two thousand miles, covering a number of mountain ranges and countries. We are leaving Churcher’s College Junior School on 12th September, 2022 and hope to arrive in Athens approximately six weeks later. This trip will be huge challenge for us and in some small way, respects Maddy’s mammoth fight to survive.

My sister, Karen Lawrence and her husband Simon, Maddy’s parents are hoping to join us for the last push into Athens and will be there to greet us when we arrive. We invite any of you to join us there, or for any part of our journey, as we attempt to raise as much money as possible for Maddy’s Mark. Understanding that this is unlikely to be a possibility for many, we will keep you posted about our progress with regular contact with Churcher’s College and also via our facebook page @maddysmark

Thank you in advance for all your support in our efforts to raise as much as possible for Maddy, a truly special girl and strive to achieve what she would have loved to have done had she lived. She will be beside us every mile.

"Dance, then wherever you may be."