Sam Eastall was due to be Max’s best man at his wedding. Instead follows edited excerpts from Sam’s speech at Max’s funeral which took place on the 14th October in the Chapel at Brompton Cemetry, London:

“First of all can I say how pleased Max would be to see so many people missing work on his behalf.

And if he knew we were all off to the pub before lunchtime he’d be even more delighted.

Thanks to those of you who have travelled from the US, Hong Kong, Malaysia, all over the place - all of you who have had to cancel plans and make arrangements in order to be here, thank you. 

When asked by Suzanne and Jane to do a tribute to Max here today, I knew immediately that mere words could never possibly be a fitting tribute in themselves. I think going forward the greatest tribute to such a special man will be all of us having Max’s radiant smile in our minds eye so when things aren’t going well we can just see that reassuring smile willing us on. That’s perhaps more of a fitting tribute…

…To call Max outgoing would be an understatement. Or simply gregarious, caring, kind - any  adjective is woefully inadequate when it comes to paying tribute to Max…..

.

…Max had the rare gift of not just being good at things in life but through his charm and abilities he made sure those around him felt that little bit happier for having him around….

…Over the last few weeks I’ve realised that it wasn’t just me who Max affected in such a deep way. The messages and stories I have heard have made me realise the far reaching impact of Max’s friendships with a huge number of people - even some who he had only met relatively briefly…

…Max was an extremely passionate man. He had no room for the mundane or the banal. His humour was second to none…

…It was that sense of the absurd that got us into trouble many times when we were meant to be taking things seriously..

…Max was a natural leader who was happy to take a back seat and see others flourish. He was one of the strongest people I have ever met but never used that strength against anyone. Well, not before giving several clear warnings anyway.. He was also a man of deep caring and huge generosity who never failed to help people regardless of his situation…

…Creativity was central to Max’s life in a variety of forms, its how he met and worked with a lot of us here today. He made it his mission to gather those around him, and with his incredible enthusiasm he would make sure they didn’t miss out on the joy he had found in whatever creative pursuit it happened to be… 

….Max was uninhibited, his scope for loving those around him was limitless and it is fantastic that, especially since meeting Jane, Max couldn’t have been surrounded by more key people who adored him. The great thing is, he knew it…

…In the last year or so, Max had never been in such a good place. His creativity was beginning to reap the deserved rewards ..

...To meet someone with his positivity, drive and sheer zest for life - I count myself extremely lucky. The wonderful thing about his life was not just the devastating charm and charisma he brought to every day, it is the simple fact that if that young 13 year old boy was able to see the man he eventually became - a huge grin would have spread over his cheeky little face and he would have been ecstatic.

Max, you led a unique life and I will always be proud of you.”

Letter to Max, with all my love always, Jane xxx

My darling Max,

I feel so lucky, proud and blessed to have known you my sweetheart. I miss you with all my heart and soul and wish more than anything to have you with me now.

I first met you at school. I was a self-conscious sixth-former,feeling shy and awkward in my new environment. I remember seeing you in the main 'Court' at Marlborough and being struck by your dazzling charisma. You would bowl about the place full of smiles, charm and mischief, always surrounded by your friends I remember, such as Sam and Jules who would remain friends for life.

Fast forward 16 years and we spot each other again. although this time we do not let each other go. I was impressed by your directness, honesty, courage and sense of humour. Suddenly the world felt a brighter, lighter place, nothing seemed to touch your indomitable spirit.

Within months we were engaged and planning the rest of our lives together. I remember your fierce love, passionate loyalty and uninhibited joyfulness. We had found each other at last and neither of us could believe our luck.

The evening before our wedding, 24th September, will remain with me forever. We were both so full of excitement and anticipation after months of build-up. Your final words were 'I love you' and then (so the doctors tell me) your heart literally stopped beating. Despite the best efforts of the ambulance staff, nothing could be done to revive you.

I am still not sure I have actually taken in what has happened. Every second, every moment comes as a shock to me. I keep frowning and wondering whose life I have wandered in on, before realising it is my own.

I can feel the wave of love and support around me from family and friends. Much of the time I am too numb with grief to even acknowledge it, but I am still hugely appreciative and everyone is a massive help in keeping me going on a day to day basis.

Your amazing mother Suzanne has been my beacon and I have just returned from visiting her in France. The irrepressible Sam, indeed all your wonderful friends have rushed in to help, they are such a comfort to me as I see you reflected back in their love and kindness. Your family and friends are a testament to you, my darling Max. They are what I have left of you and I will treasure them always.

I can't imagine I will ever fully comprehend what has happened and a large part of me will never accept it. A vibrant, vital, gorgeous, gregarious, entertaining, funny, kind, caring and unique man has been taken in the prime of his life, when he still had so much to give.

Max you taught me how to live, and for that I will be eternally grateful. I carry you in my heart and your spirit will remain with me always. 

Jane xxx