'We Miss Her the Same Every Day': Family Walk 29 Miles to Keep Maddy Cusack's Legacy Alive Three Years After Her Death

Three years on from the death of Maddy Cusack, the pain for her family has not dimmed — and neither has their determination to ensure the Sheffield United midfielder is never forgotten. Her sister, Olivia Cusack, says Maddy is on her mind every single day, and that grief for the former England youth international remains as sharp now as it was when she passed away on 20 September 2023, aged just 27. "We miss her the same every day," Olivia told the Guardian, adding that the family is determined to make sure her sister's "legacy lives on." That determination was put into action on Saturday, when Olivia — joined by family and friends — completed a 29-mile walk from Bramall Lane, Sheffield United's historic home, to the Cusack family home in Horsley, near Derby. The route traced a deeply personal journey: from the stadium where Maddy made her name to the place her family calls home. The walk was organised to raise funds and awareness in Maddy's memory, part of the family's ongoing effort to turn tragedy into purpose. Maddy Cusack was a talented midfielder who represented England at youth level and became a long-serving, cherished figure at Sheffield United, where she earned widespread respect within the women's game. Her sudden death sent shockwaves through English football, prompting heartfelt tributes from teammates, opponents and supporters alike. But while the football world mourned, the family's own search for peace continues. Loved ones say they are still enduring a "frustrating and confusing" wait for answers about the circumstances surrounding Maddy's death — a wait that has now stretched into a third year. Despite that anguish, Olivia and her family refuse to let uncertainty define Maddy's story. Instead, they are channelling their energy into celebrating everything she was: a dedicated footballer, a loving sister and daughter, and an inspiration to young players following in her footsteps. Saturday's walk embodied that spirit. Step by step, mile after mile, the group carried Maddy's memory from the roar of Bramall Lane to the quiet of the Derbyshire countryside. Three years may have passed, but for Olivia Cusack and all who loved Maddy, the mission remains unchanged: to honour her name, support the causes close to her heart, and ensure that while the questions persist, so too does her legacy. This article is based on reporting by Guardian Football.