Max

I can't remember the first time I met Max; he was Rachel's little brother and one of my sister’s best friends. I remember him from school days, laughing and joking with a mischievous grin on his face. When I think of Max, I picture him bowling around Queens Park and drinking in the Irish with Emily, Anna, Rosy, Isaac, Owen, Louis and Dash. Sitting with a cheeky smile on his face and laughing with his friends over a pint. Just the way it should be.

Being a few years older, I was nearer Rachel's age than Max's and didn't know Max as well as I would have liked, but I’ve heard so many stories that included Max over the years and he made such an impression on me every time I saw him that I feel as though I knew Max better than I probably did.

I went to the same primary and secondary school as Max and remember him playing football in the park every summer with his friends. He was always a pleasure to bump into and full of charm every time I saw him. A cheeky chappy, full of energy and always up for a laugh.

I know he was there for Emily through some hard times and could always put a smile on her face. Like all the boys, they would walk the girl’s home after nights out and I remember thinking how lucky my sister was to have such a lovely group of friends.

Since hearing the sad news, I've been thinking about Max a lot. Just reading through everyone’s messages, it becomes clear how many lives Max touched.

Max had so many lovely qualities and a positive attitude towards life and people. He was genuine and open, with Max there were no barriers, he was just himself and treated everyone he knew the same. Not many people are like that in this world. We could all learn a lot from him.

I've grown up in Queens Park all my life and feel sad to think that I won't see Max around anymore and can’t even begin to imagine how his family and closest friends must be feeling. My heart goes out to his family, Rosy, his closest friends and to everyone who knew Max and will miss him. I wish I had known Max a little better, but am thankful for having known him at all.

Sarah Villegas