Maddy Cusack’s Legacy Lives On After 3 Years

Three years after the tragic death of former England youth international Maddy Cusack, her sister Olivia led a 29‑mile walk from Sheffield to Derby to raise money for the Maddy Cusack Foundation and keep her legacy alive. The walk, called "Bringing Maddy Home," followed a stalled inquest and highli…

By Felo News Desk · Published Sun, 20 Sep 2026 11:24:22 GMT

On a crisp Saturday morning, Olivia Cusack set out from Bramall Lane, the home of Sheffield United, to walk 29 miles back to her family home in Horsley, near Derby. The purpose was clear: to honour her sister Maddy, a former England youth international midfielder who died on 20 September 2023, and to raise funds for the Maddy Cusack Foundation.

Why the Walk Matters

The journey, dubbed "Bringing Maddy Home," was inspired by the recent developments in the inquest into Maddy’s death. After fresh evidence surfaced, the inquest was adjourned again in July and is now scheduled to resume on 7 December. Olivia said the walk was a response to the inquest’s focus on the professional aspects of Maddy’s life, which she felt overlooked her as a person.

"After the inquest we wanted to bring her home from Bramall Lane, back to our family home," Olivia explained. "Many people know Maddy as the professional football player and the name on the back of her shirt, the number, the colours she wore, the club she was associated with. But I felt in the inquest it was lost that she was a person, she wasn’t an object that we were discussing. She’s a person, she’s a family member of ours, and a person that’s sometimes been lost within the chaos surrounding her death. That’s the notion behind the walk. To claim her back, bring her home and protect her."

Family, Friends, and Fundraising

About 15 family members and friends joined Olivia on the trek, starting at 5:30 a.m. from Sheffield. A fundraising page linked to the walk had already raised over £1,100 by Saturday afternoon, a figure Olivia described as "incredible" and "more than I ever expected." The money will go to the Maddy Cusack Foundation, which supports women’s and girls’ football and promotes visibility for girls in sport.

The foundation has already partnered with Derby County Community Trust to offer bursaries for girls and families facing financial barriers to football. It also works with Ben Osborn’s Elite Football Development to provide post‑16 study opportunities for girls, reflecting Maddy’s passion for education.

The Ongoing Inquest and Emotional Toll

Maddy’s family has endured eight days of evidence hearings, with the coroner apologising for the delays. The case was originally set to start in January 2026, but additional postponements have pushed it further back. Olivia said the uncertainty is "confusing" and "frustrating," but she believes the inquest must be taken seriously to bring closure.

"It feels as though she can’t be at peace until it’s finished," Olivia said. "And I do feel that’s quite upsetting to think about and to work through. It needs to come to a conclusion."

Commemorating Maddy Every Day

Olivia highlighted that the anniversary of Maddy’s death is a particularly emotional time. "We miss her the same every day, as I will on Sunday," she said. "The anniversary is always something that creeps up on us. It’s very emotional and it’s a time where we just reflect, but we do so much throughout the year so she really is at the heart of pretty much every single day. Not a day that goes by where we don’t think about her."

She encouraged people to share photos, memories, and stories about Maddy to keep her legacy alive. A minute’s applause will be held before kick‑off at the Women’s Super League 2 match between Newcastle and Sheffield United on Sunday, where Maddy’s name will again be remembered.

Looking Ahead

While the inquest remains pending, the family continues to push for answers and to honour Maddy’s memory through community action. The 29‑mile walk is just one of several initiatives aimed at preserving her legacy and supporting the next generation of female footballers.

For those seeking support during this difficult time, helplines are available across the UK, Ireland, the US, and Australia.

Key facts

Olivia Cusack walked 29 miles to raise money for the Maddy Cusack Foundation
The inquest into Maddy’s death has been delayed multiple times, with the next hearing set for December 7
The foundation supports girls’ football and education through bursaries and partnerships
The family encourages sharing memories to keep Maddy’s legacy alive
A minute’s applause will honour Maddy before a Women’s Super League 2 match

Why it matters

Maddy Cusack’s untimely death left a void in English football, and her family’s efforts to preserve her memory highlight the importance of community support and advocacy for women's sports.