'Forever 14' Max Hall to be honoured as caring Corby community unites to show love and support
Corby teenager Max Hall, who died after losing his battle with a brain tumour, will be honoured by his family, friends and the community on Friday (August 14) uniting in love and support.
Football-mad Max, 14, passed away on Saturday (August 8) nine months after being found to have an inoperable high grade glioma cancer.
The memorial event will be held for Max from 6.30pm at ‘Abbey Field’ in Abington Road Corby, where candles will be lit and Max’s favourite music will be played.
People attending the gathering have been asked to honour Max with bubbles and have been invited to wear Manchester United tops – his favourite team.
A spokesman for the event said: “We want to show Max just how much he meant to everyone, just how incredible he was and how many people he touched during his beautiful life.
“We want his family – Jackie, Stephen, George and Hope – to see and feel just how much love and support surrounds them.
"Their gorgeous boy touched so many hearts and made such a difference to so many people.
“Max will never be forgotten. His memory will live on in everyone who knew and loved him, and we hope Friday will be a beautiful way of showing his family just how very loved he was.”
People have been asked to use the top of Abbey Field (where the fair sets up) to ensure there is no disruption to any football training sessions
The spokesman added: “Please remember no balloons are to be released. If you do bring balloons, please make sure you take them home with you when you leave. Instead, please bring bubbles — and blow lots and lots of them!”
Generous Northamptonshire residents raised more than £318,000 to pay for pioneering dendritic cell therapy in Germany, a treatment not available on the NHS.
Max’s plight was raised in Parliament by his MP Lee Barron who urged the government to accelerate brain tumour research.
The Corby schoolboy was treated to a dream day at Manchester United’s Carrington training ground to watch the first team in action and have a meet and greet with his soccer heroes.
A celebration of Max's life will be held at his funeral on Friday, August 28 at 1pm at Kettering Warren Hill Crematorium in the Edgar Newman Chapel.
According to Max’s wishes, people are being asked to come ‘smartly dressed’ – maybe in Max’s favourite colour of black – but not in a suit.
Max’s mum Jackie said: “I just want to say again that everyone is welcome. Whether you knew our beautiful boy personally, or you never met him but somehow Max’s story touched your heart, we would love for you to be there.
“Max always wanted everyone together — and knowing how many people loved him, the more the merrier.
“Please come, stand with us, celebrate him, remember him, and help us give our boy the send-off he deserves.
“Forever 14. Forever loved. Forever our Max.”
Following the service, people are invited to join the family at The Holiday Inn, Corby, where they will continue to celebrate Max's life, ‘sharing stories, memories and laughter’.
Jackie added: “In Max's own words, he wanted everyone to come.
“If Max touched your life in any way, whether you supported him, followed his journey, donated, shared his story, prayed for him, cheered him on, loved him, laughed with him, or simply knew him, please know that you are very welcome.”
People are asked to arrive in good time for the service that begins promptly at 1pm. They have also been asked to car share where possible to help with potential parking congestion.