It’s difficult to grieve when you’re fighting for justice

On Olivia Cusack’s wrist, the letter M is engraved.

The Sheffield United footballer who passed away in September 2023 is known as Maddy, her sister.

Olivia says, “Her life was saved.

There were many things we planned together that we didn’t get to experience.

Maddy Cusack, a midfielder, was found dead at her Derbyshire home at the age of 27.

She became the first woman to make 100 appearances for the Blades’ women’s side after joining the club in 2019.

Concerning the circumstances surrounding her death, which relatives hoped to have answered at an inquest in July, there are still unanswered questions.

However, January is when the hearing is scheduled to take place.

The delays are frustrating, in Olivia’s opinion.

Olivia has been able to honor her sister’s memory by getting her tattoo as well.

In Maddy’s name, her family established a foundation to support both girls and women playing football.

Olivia claims that the lengthy formal investigations have taken so long to conclude, making it difficult to grieve properly.

Sheffield United was cleared of wrongdoing by an external report that was ordered shortly after Maddy’s passing.

However, until her inquest is finished, a second report from the Football Association, which was ordered in the first quarter of this year, won’t be made public.

Olivia refers to the date the inquest first opened, saying, “It almost seems like the pause button was hit in October 2023.”

You want to think of Maddy at peace and that she’s okay because of her passing.

Although her family has previously claimed she has never had mental health issues, she has previously been put under financial strain.

She also worked full-time in the club’s offices, balancing her football career.

The family of Maddy has complained about Sheffield United’s “processes and conduct,” including that of former women’s team manager Jonathan Morgan.

Mr. Morgan claimed at a pre-inquest hearing in June that the family’s testimony was “one-sided” and that he had requested permission to testify against those who had” an opposing viewpoint.

Before the full hearings, coroner Sophie Cartwright, the inquest’s director, announced that she would make a decision on these matters.

All of this has made it “very difficult for the family to put those emotions aside and handle them properly,” Olivia says.

In the interim, Maddy’s family and friends have been searching for ways to honor her forever.

Nina Wilson, a former Sheffield United goalkeeper, fondly recalls their time together.

She claims that “Maddy was Miss Sheff United.”

She met me in Bramhall Lane’s parking lot when I signed for Sheffield.

Although I’d never met her before, it appeared like we were already friends.

Nina also got a Maddy memorial tattoo like Olivia.

Hers is an eight, the same number that Maddy always wore on the pitch.

Nina says, “It was emotional, something I wanted to do pretty much right away.

Everyone is aware of how much she adored that t-shirt.

Sheffield United should resign the shirt, according to Nina, who hasn’t played since Maddy’s passing.

She claims that having that number as her number would mean a lot.

Nina describes the campaign as a way to keep her friend in the minds of others because Maddy’s family supports it.

Nina responds, “I do feel that her memory slowly fades away as the inquest progresses.”

No one else has worn the number eight shirt for Sheffield United Women, who play in the new WSL 2 league, since Maddy’s death.

The club confirmed that Maddy’s shirt had been proposed for two separate occasions by its fan advisory board.

However, it stated in a statement that “we as a club believe that keeping the number in place keeps Maddy’s memory alive and serves as a reminder of who has worn it before.”

In addition to its seven years of service to defender George Baldock, Sheffield United announced that it had adopted the same stance on him. Baldock passed away in 2024.

The club is currently finalizing plans to play at home against Charlton Athletic on September 20 to commemorate Maddy’s death.

After Maddy’s inquest is over, it added that “any lasting tributes can be had.”

Olivia’s tattoo serves as a lasting reminder of her sister up until that day.

You’ll accompany me wherever I go. You’ll shake anyone’s hand whenever I meet them, she says.