About us
Bonded by love of Maddy and a passion for fulfilling her legacy, our core team of volunteers share in their belief that getting involved in sports such as rugby, has the power to change lives.
True to the rugby community ethos, Maddy’s Mark is fortunate to have the support of many members of the wider rugby family and local communities in which we operate. We are grateful to our celebrity champions, rugby stars and university ambassadors who add further experience, guidance and ‘weight to our scrum’ in their own unique ways.
Mission, Vision, & Values
When Maddy joined the rugby family she found a place to belong, a team of girls who were warm, welcoming and accepting. She found a sport and a community that embraced strong minds and strong bodies. She found a place to be herself, away from the stresses that confront girls and young women in today’s world.
The mission of Maddys Mark is simple – to give girls and young women the opportunity to access rugby, and all the physical and mental benefits that the sport can offer.
We strive for a world where more girls and young women can ……belong.
Story, Impact & Legacy
2026 Impact Report
Learn more about our journey so far, and the next steps we’re taking together
Team Profiles
Simon Lawrence
Director
Simon is Maddy’s Dad and cofounder of Maddy’s Mark.
He joined the family petroleum, convenience and valeting company in 1992, becoming the fourth generation into the business.
Karen Lawrence
Director
Karen is Maddy’s Mum and cofounder of her charity.
Her career has been spent in administration in the fields recruitment, telecoms and diplomatic service, working for many years abroad, predominantly in Mexico City.
For the last 10 years, she was class assistant at Maddy and Juliet’s school, leaving earlier in 2024 to devote more time to Maddy’s Mark.
Janine Taylor
Director
Janine has over 20 years’ experience teaching in primary education. As Maddy’s aunt and with 2 grown children of her own she has seen first-hand the benefits of sport to physical and mental wellbeing. Janine spearheads the charity’s events and completed a monumental fundraising effort when cycling for Maddy’s Mark from Petersfield to the Parthenon.
Clive Shore
Executive Advisory Board
Clive trained as an economist, completed a Cranfield MBA at and moved into consultancy. Clive set up his own consulting business in 2005 and has nearly 20 year’s consulting experience with central Government Departments, including HM Treasury and the Department of Health.
Harriet Menzies
Executive Advisory Board
Harriet has over 10 years’ experience in the asset management industry having held positions in marketing and client relations.
Harriet is Maddy’s cousin and mum to two primary school aged rugby players. Harriet holds a BSc from Durham University and an MSc from London South Bank.
Gemma Heath
Executive Advisory Board
Gemma has more than 20 years’ experience in secondary education, with involvement in academic and pastoral roles, in both the public and private sectors. She is cousin to Maddy and Mum to two enthusiastic young sports players. Gemma holds a BA(Hons) from Winchester School of Art, a PGCE from UWIC and a Level 2 Certificate in understanding children and young people’s mental health.
Gill Skan
Executive Advisory Board
Gill has 40 years management experience in the Hotel and Retail sectors. Most recently she has been working in a Senior strategic role leading the performance and growth of Starbucks UK franchisees. Her role involved store expansion, commercial success, and ensuring best in class customer experience through building excellent relationships.
Having recently retired, Gill is now able to support Maddy’s Mark to achieve their mission as well as completing some events to fund raise.
Gill met Karen and Simon at NCT classes, and they have remained friends 24 years on.
Iain Lower
Executive Advisory Board
I am involved with Maddy’s Mark because Maddy was family. I knew her as a bright, vivacious young woman with so much more to give. I also believe passionately in the power rugby has to improve mental health.
I bring my third sector experience as the CEO of the UK’s largest endowed maritime charity, Trinity House, and as a previous trustee of The Seafarers Charity to help Maddy’s Mark achieve all it sets out to do.