Marching for Max

The definition of a miracle is “An event that appears inexplicable by the laws of nature” and as far as Max Girvan’s family, pictured above, are concerned, Max was that miracle.

The miracle isn’t that Max beat all the odds, recovered from illness and will carry on to lead a healthy life as Max lost his fight for life when he died, aged 6 years old. No, the miracle was that Max overcame so many challenges throughout his short and precious life, to defy medical opinion and reach 6 in the first place.

Max was born in April 2004 to his loving parents Margaret and John, and like any parent blessed with a new born child, they couldn’t have been happier. However, shortly after he was born, it became apparent that all was not well with Max and he would have to undergo a period of medical examination.

Sadly medical procedure wasn’t new to his family as his older sister, Katie-Jane, is a patient of Edinburgh Sick Kids as she is partially sighted and has a range of other medical conditions that have limited her development and mobility.

Max’s test identified he had a rare condition known as Pierre Robin Syndrome. Pierre Robin Syndrome is a rare genetic facial deformity which includes symptoms such as; cleft palate, a small jaw and airway obstructions. This obviously wasn’t the news his family were looking for, however they took comfort from the fact that it’s common children born with Pierre Robin Syndrome live full and healthy lives.

Sadly this wasn't to be as Max had further complications with his respiratory system, eyes and stomach.

The initial Medical prognosis wasn't good and Doctor's prepared Max's family for the worst, however 'Little Braveheart' as he was known, fought hard and overcame his initially difficulties.

Over the next few years Max continued to battle his various conditions, and time and again outlived all of the Doctor's predictions. He battled tirelessly until he could battle no more and on the 6th of June 2010, he fell asleep for the last time.

It was an incredibly short life, too short for all concerned, but like many of the children that live such a short lives, they make a lasting impression and Max was no different. In his 6 short years, Max made such an impact and touched so many with his cheeky smile and infectious laugh, that he never could and never will be forgotten.

When you were in Max’s company and he let out a chuckle, the whole room would come to a standstill and you could feel the happiness reverberate around the room. It’s the lasting joy and happiness Max brought to everyone that is remembered day and daily in his families’ warm memories.

Although he was around for the blink of an eye, it was clear the love that surrounded him and the love he generated allowed him to fight and stay with his family that little bit longer.

However, Max left behind much more than just memories, as through his determination and strong will, he taught his family some of the most basic lessons in life, lessons which we often take for granted.

You see as his family watched him fight challenge after challenge, day after day, they were reminded that no matter what the odds, you should never give in, you should always give your best, just like Max did.

Max and his family received terrific support from a whole cross section of people, from the amazing staff and friends at Edinburgh's Sick Kids, his friends and carers at Sunndach Respite Home and his teachers and support assistants at Beatlie School in Livingston and his family are forever thankful.

Max touched so many people, that he has become an inspiration for those that knew him, which has led the people who loved him to want to celebrate his life and help everyone that helped their 'Little Braveheart' and continue to help his sister.

That is why Max’s Dad John, older brothers David and Jack, cousins Alan, Paul, Marianne and Nicola along with friends of the family Aimee, Patrick and Louise are Marching for Max this coming Sunday along with 6,000 other Kiltwalkers and we just know that on Sunday when the going gets tough, our Kiltwalkers will think of Max and his marvelous smile and march on until the end.

I know I certainly will.