Max's story
Tell us about yourself
Hi, I’m Max and I’m 11. I don’t use the long name for my condition, Sturge Webber Syndrome, which the doctors use. I prefer to say it’s my birthmark or just extra blood vessels.
I live with my sister, my Mum and my Dad. We’ve got five budgies who live in an aviary (the yellow one is mine) and chickens too. My chicken is called ‘Bolt’ because he has lightening stripes. We’ve also got three dogs.
What are you into?
I like playing on my Wii and DSi. My favourite games are Drawn to Life, Ravin Rabbids Go Home and Mariocart Wii.
I’ve got a tall bed and sometimes I just like to sit in bed and look out of the window.
We often walk the dogs with our friends and I have to collect the eggs.
I like swimming but we don’t do swimming at secondary school. The furthest I have swum is 52 lengths. I had to have a waffle and icecream afterwards to get my energy back.
Best Christmas pressie?
An Ipod Touch and a Wii Fit.
Aren’t you a bit of a chef?
I love fish and chips and cooking roast dinners as well as eating them. I also make Bolognese sauce, muffins, cupcakes and salads. I really admire Gino di’Acampo, the chef on This Morning. I like how he works.
How would your sister describe you?
Annoying! (And I’d agree with her.)
What’s your worst habit?
I’d say talking too much and my Dad would say talking back. But you learn loads of things by talking and I always ask lots of questions.
Best song?
Everybody in Love by JLS.
Favourite subject at school?
DT.
What would you like to do when you finish school?
I want to work in the Total garage. I think Richard Hammond is great.
When did you first realise you looked different to other people?
About two years ago. My Mum’s got a mirror in front of the door and I just started seeing my birthmark. I find it a bit of annoying when people look and point. The best thing is to walk away.
You know when people try to look but don’t want to look like they’re looking? I know sometimes they don’t mean to be rude but I wish they’d just come up and say ‘hi’ and have a chat.
Why did you get involved with the campaign?
I want people to know that people who look like me or who are in a wheelchair aren’t shy or different to other people. It doesn’t matter what we all look like.
What would you like to say to people who might think you’re not very confident or outgoing because of your birthmark?
People with birthmarks aren’t always shy. I’m a chatty person. I can even start up a conversation with strangers. I’m friendly and I get to know people.
How can people support the campaign?
Be chatty like me and start a discussion with all your friends and family about why face equality for children is so important.
