Max was a stalwart member of his youth small group at church.  He was quiet and thoughtful - but also exceedingly dry and witty when the moment arrived.  He was instantly christened "Max Broadbent Jnr" to distinguish him from one of my co-leaders - "Max Broadbent Snr". 

That group of boys was the first youth small group I formally led and it ended up known as the Circle of Safety.  It was a space to come together, share life, read and discuss the Bible together and to encourage one another in our Christian walk.  I ended up learning more from those boys, including Max Jnr, then I suspect I passed onto them.  

When I got married in 2019, Max was one of the boys who attended and helped out serving drinks in the church hall afterwards.  That really showed Max's character down to a tee - he was always the first to muck in and help others, volunteering his time and energy selflessly. 

When Max and the boys "graduated" out from the Youth in 2020 (in the midsts of Covid lockdown) we remained in touch from time to time and he was always up for reunions with the boys at the pub when they were all back home from Uni.  It was to my total delight to unexpectedly receive a handwritten letter from Max one random day.  He told me his news and that he had wanted to write a letter because it felt more personal than sending a text or an email.  I had to dig out some writing paper to write back to him - although I would be surprised if he could read my terrible handwriting...

I last spoke with Max on his 23rd - and last - birthday.  I had sent him a message to wish him Happy Birthday and to ask how he was doing.  He told me he was not doing great for a few reasons but was making sure he was talking to people.  I sympathised and told him it sounded crap and asked where he was these days, to which he told me he was mainly in Sheffield although also in Newcastle as well.  I suggested we meet up.  Unfortunately, whilst I can see that message was delivered, I don't think Max read it before he died.  I really wish we could have had that meet-up and that I had understood properly how he was feeling.

Max was a credit to his family and loyal to his friends.  He will be much missed.  My only comfort is that I believe that because of his faith in Jesus, he is with God - who promises one day to wipe every tear from every eye.  Looking forward to rejoicing one day with you, buddy.  Good night.

Dutch