Rugby, Resilience & Remembering Maddy – A New Partnership to Change Lives
Newcastle Rugby Foundation (NRF), the official Charity of Newcastle Red Bulls, is proud to announce a new partnership with Maddy’s Mark, the charity founded in memory of Maddy Lawrence, whose passion for rugby, positivity and kindness continue to inspire girls and women across the country.
Together, NRF and Maddy’s Mark will launch a transformative new rugby and wellbeing programme for girls aged 9–13 across the North East, designed to improve body confidence, resilience, and self-esteem through the power of rugby.
About the Programme
The programme will reach up to 500 girls across 40 classes, with delivery in both primary (Years 5–6) and secondary schools (Years 7–9) across Newcastle, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Gateshead, and Sunderland.
Led by the Foundation’s experienced female community development officers, the initiative blends rugby participation with structured mental-wellbeing sessions over 5–6 weeks. Each 45–60 minute session includes interactive challenges that build confidence and teamwork while encouraging girls to think differently about their bodies, their strengths and their place in sport.
Beyond the classroom, the programme will strengthen links between schools and local rugby clubs, helping more girls continue their rugby journey and experience the confidence, connection and belonging that come with being part of a team.
Shared Vision
Both organisations share a clear mission: to use rugby as a platform for positive mental health, inclusion and empowerment.
“This partnership is about more than rugby,” said Melanie Magee, CEO at Newcastle Rugby Foundation. “It’s about giving girls the tools to be confident, resilient and proud of who they are. Through Maddy’s Mark, we’re honouring a young woman whose spirit truly represents what rugby is all about; community, courage and kindness.”
Simon, Maddy‘s father, added: “Maddy’s Mark and Newcastle Rugby Foundation are teaming up to champion courage, community, and the next generation of game-changers. All our thanks to Newcastle for their amazing work.”
Celebrating Simon’s Challenge – The 100 Rhino Challenge
This partnership launches as Simon Lawrence, Maddy’s father, takes on an extraordinary test of endurance — the 100 Rhino Challenge. On 24–25 October 2025 at Petersfield Rugby Club, Simon and his teammate Dave Cosway will attempt to bench-press 10 tonnes per hour each, for 24 hours, the equivalent weight of 100 rhinos each, to raise £10,000 for Maddy’s Mark.
Supporters can follow and donate via justgiving.com/page/100rhinochallenge.
Their incredible effort embodies everything this partnership stands for — resilience, teamwork, and using sport as a force for good.
Get Involved
Schools interested in participating, or clubs keen to support delivery, can contact Newcastle Rugby Foundation at nrf@newcastle-falcons.co.uk
Learn more about Maddy’s Mark at www.maddysmark.com and follow Newcastle Rugby Foundation on social media for updates from the programme as it unfolds.
Together, we can empower the next generation of girls to be strong in body, mind and spirit and ensure that Maddy’s Mark continues to make a difference.
