Max
Max, 17 from Cornwall was just three when his mum died in 2009 of an undiagnosed heart condition. Max was with his mum when this happened. The following years for Max and his family were unimaginably tough. Max’s father was unable to work due to Max and his little brother Jasper needing his care. That’s when they were introduced to Penhaligon’s Friends who have been with them throughout their journey. Penhaligon’s Friends are funded by BBC Children in Need and use a three-year grant of £98,575 to provide support workers and support sessions for families just like Max’s. The family have formed a very tight bond with Penhaligon’s with Max regularly spending time at the project alongside other children there who have experienced similar challenges. He says that he feels grief never grows smaller but you can grow bigger and learn to live alongside it. Max has won a Diana award for his work with the charity and is keen to break down the taboos of discussing grief in everyday life.