Sponsored Walk for Max

// Thank you for an amazing response!! You are all amazing!! We started with a target of £1,000, and currently upped to £5,500!!!

We have upped target and hope for some special memories for Max and his family // Upped target again- you are all amazing, thanks so much //

We’re raising money in aid of Acorns Children's Hospice Trust and for our dear friend Max to have a special day out. Money will be split 50/50 between Acorns and for a special day out for Max and every donation will help. Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to us.

If you’d like to join us we are walking round Chasewater Country Park , May 6th 2024 2pm start at Burntwood Rugby Club, followed by a family fun event at the rugby club from 3pm.

It’s roughly 5k and is suitable for pushchairs / bikes and scooters if little ones prefer. Everyone is welcome.

Max’s story: Max and his family have suffered unbearable hardships over the last 2 years; he lost his mum to cancer, and his nan unexpectedly, within days of each other in May 2022.

During her treatment for Adrenal Cancer, Max's mum underwent genetics testing and was subsequently diagnosed with Li-Fraumeni Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that significantly increases the risk of developing cancers. In light of this, Max and his younger sister were immediately tested to determine whether either of them had inherited the same condition. Unfortunately, results revealed that they both had, and so they were placed under the care of New Cross Hospital for regular, life-long monitoring.

Just 6 months later, after having had his first MRI scan at the end of December 2022, Max was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour. Since that time he has undergone 4 major brain operations, endured multiple cycles of both standard dose and high dose chemotherapy, and sadly, after a follow-up MRI in October last year revealed that he'd relapsed, had to undergo further surgeries before commencing a 6 week cycle of proton beam radiotherapy at The Christie in Manchester a few days after Christmas.

As he has throughout every step of this journey, Max has displayed incredible resilience both mentally and physically, completely undeterred by the treatment, his strength of character and determination has enabled him to recover remarkably quickly so he can get back to what he loves doing most of all, playing and having fun with all of his friends, and going to school as often as possible.

He's the bravest boy and always has a smile on his face. He's touched so many people's hearts in his short life, and we are truly blessed to know him.

Max is currently waiting to have an MRI at Birmingham Children's Hospital in April to determine if the radiotherapy has worked.

Unfortunately, due to the rare and extremely aggressive nature of his cancer, there is a high probability that it will return, but for now, we are all hoping that it will be positive news.

While he is still relatively well and in good health, we are trying to organise a special day out for both Max and his family to enjoy.

More information about Acorns Children's Hospice Trust: Acorns Children's Hospice provide care, support, fun and laughter for life limited or life threatened children and their families. They have already provided support to Max and his family and know they will be there for whatever the next few months bring.

Any contributions are gratefully received