Max

I met Max I think it was about in year 9 at Hampstead school, he was one of ‘the boys in the year above’ along with Louis, Izacc, Owen etc, and all the girls had something charming to say about him. We always wished that the guys in our year would be more like Max, he always had a smile, a moment to talk and to listen.

As the years went on and we all got older, I was lucky enough to get to know Max a bit better and the smiles that he had never seemed to run out. He would smile and you would smile.

I remember one of the first times I went out in Queens Park with the gang, I was nervous because I wasn’t sure if I would be accepted into their ‘family’ - and that’s what it was and still is - I have always admired the love that Max and his friends have for one another - so close, and so lovely. Anyways, when I got to the Irish, Max was the first to make me feel welcome and introduced me properly to Anna, Rosy, Ellie and the rest and I will never forget that. Nor the summer days in Queens Park with Katie watching the boys play football, nor the house parties where Max would be the most lively for sure - always checking you were having a good time. A greeting always beginning with ‘Yes Esmay’ (or whoever he was talking to!) made you instantly feel positive and welcome.

My thoughts are with all of his close friends and his family who knew him so so well, I would have liked to get to know Max better but I am grateful that I knew him as I did, we can all learn from his friendliness and it will not be forgotten.

The last time I saw Max was in the good ol Black Lion in West Hampstead on Christmas eve, where he seemed happy and content, he was enjoying uni and life. A text on Christmas day, where he said he was stuffed and feelin nicely merry ended with ‘hope to c u soon.’ It saddens me to think that this never happened, but I am sure that where ever he is, he is still lighting up a room with his persona, having good ol chats and keeping the party going.

With love,
Esmay xxxxxx