The Cusack family introduced the foundation after the Sheffield United star was found dead last September.

In the six months since opening they have raised over £35,000 from a variety of charity events.

Former teammates have hosted memorial matches, former colleague, Sam Turner, ran the Sheffield Half Marathon in her honour and most recently a friend of Maddy’s is attempting to reach Everest Base Camp whilst wearing Maddy’s number 8 on her back. 

Sam Turner before running the Sheffield Half Marathon. Credit: The Maddy Cusack Foundation.

Maddy’s younger sister, Olivia Cusack, said: “We created The Maddy Cusack Foundation to help and benefit young and aspiring female footballers on their journey to play at a professional level, like my sister Maddy did.

“It is incredibly important that we continue to be supported and recognised so that we can help these girls and hopefully make the changes that are needed within the world of women’s football.”

In the weeks following the Blades’ star’s death her family submitted a complaint to her club alleging that her manager, Jonathan Morgan, was responsible for causing the ‘emotional anguish’ that they believe led to her taking her own life. 

Despite an external investigation finding no evidence of wrongdoing, the Football Association is considering launching an investigation into her family’s complaints after MP Caroline Dinenage deemed Sheffield United’s handling of the case as “seemingly quite flawed”. 

EFD Sport and Education sponsored the foundation’s 40 mile memorial walk from Maddy’s home in Derby to Bramall Lane, where she played for the Blades. 

The Maddy Cusack Foundation and EFD Sports and Education team during their walk from her home to Bramall Lane. Credit: The Maddy Cusack Foundation.

A spokesperson for the organisation said: “Along with continuing Maddy’s legacy, two of the main aims of the foundation are to address mental health in young people and also provide opportunities to girls and women in sport. 

“These align almost perfectly with our work at EFD and we will continue to support the foundation in any way we can moving forwards.”

Olivia said she “speaks on behalf of the family as we thank every single person who has supported or helped us navigate The Maddy Cusack Foundation throughout the last six months.

“We as a family will not let her name be forgotten, and we need your help. Keep saying her name.”

The link to donate to The Maddy Cusack Foundation is: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/maddy-cusack-foundation8?utm_term=z3Ez6We

For anyone who may have been affected by topics in this article please call the Samaritans helpline on 116 123 for 24-hour support.