Natalie Phillips, best known for her role on Geordie Shore, attended the campaign launch event at Shotley Bridge Cricket Ground on Saturday (September 27), where she stood alongside relatives, MPs and campaigners in calling for stronger child protection measures.

Natalie Phillips and Cruze Ryder Phillips(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Now working in safeguarding and children’s services, she described her involvement as a “no-brainer” given both her professional role and close friendship with Maya’s great aunt, Gemma Chappell, who is spearheading the campaign.

Natalie said: “This launch event is like one big family – we support each other. The Consett community unites when we need to, and when there is something vital like this.

“To stand here with Maya’s family and support their fight for change is a privilege.

Rachael Walls, Gemma Chappell and Kerrie Robinson(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

“It’s heartbreaking what happened to Gemma and her family and I’m glad that I can play any part in that”.

Natalie has so far provided support for the Chappell family, as well as helping secure a signed Sunderland football shirt, which has been auctioned off to support funding the Maya’s Law campaign.

The TV star has also committed to doing more charity challenges for the campaign going forward.

“I’m always having crazy and unique ways of doing something for charity, so I’ll think of how I can best support Gemma and the campaign.”

The Maya’s Law campaign launch at Shotley Bridge Cricket Club(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The Maya’s Law campaign calls for a Child Risk Disclosure Scheme (CRDS), urging police, councils, health services and other agencies to share information about caregivers with concerning histories.

The proposals also include stronger multi-agency responses and new powers to raise safeguarding alerts and trigger family court interventions.

Two-year-old Maya was killed in September 2022 at her home in Shotton Colliery by her mother’s partner, Michael Daymond.

Maya Chappell(Image: FAMILY)

A safeguarding review last year concluded her death could not have been predicted but identified “missed opportunities” in the case.

Her great aunt, Gemma Chappell, said the family will not let Maya’s death be in vain.

“Children don’t have a voice – we need to be their voice. Maya’s Law will do that. We’re just a simple family from County Durham who want to bring about vital change.”

Gemma Chappell and Liz Twist MP(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The public petition has already attracted more than 4,000 signatures, with campaigners urging more people to sign to help reach 10,000 for a Government response and 100,000 to trigger a parliamentary debate.

The Maya’s Law petition can be found here , and the fundraising page can be found here.

Maya’s family have launched the Maya’s Law campaign(Image: FAMILY)

The Maya’s Law proposals call for:

  • A Child Risk Disclosure Scheme (CRDS), similar to Clare’s Law and Sarah’s Law, but focused on the wider risk histories of caregivers.
  • A requirement for statutory services – including police, social care, and health – to disclose relevant past histories to a child’s parent or guardian when risk is identified.
  • Stronger multi-agency response protocols, particularly where child custody or unsupervised access is being considered.
  • The power for professionals to raise safeguarding alerts and trigger family court interventions where risks are known, even if not under active investigation.

During the launch on Saturday, Gemma recalled the agony of sitting at Maya’s hospital bedside for three days while she died, describing it as “excruciating.”

Gemma’s sister, Rachael Walls, remembered Maya as the “smiliest girl” who loved eating and being with her family.

For Maya’s family, support from high-profile figures like Natalie Phillips has provided fresh momentum.