Donna at Cornerstone

walk - makes what he is setting out to achieve nothing short of heroic.

This walking challenge comes after a long illness and much surgery as a result of his struggle with ulcerative colitis.

Max has been supported by Cornerstone since 2008, initially by the community support service in Perth, and then with the support continuing by the Craigie service when Max moved into his own flat in 2015.

Cornerstone has since been providing him with 24/7 care after a major flare up of ulcerative colitis in 2017 led to the initial surgery to remove some of his large intestine and bowel that left him with a stoma.

In March 2019, Max became gravely ill again and had two further major surgeries which resulted in the removal of his large intestine, leaving him ‘nil-by-mouth,’ and reliant on ‘total parenteral nutrition’ which is delivered through a central feed line that sits just above his heart.

He then spent nine months in hospital recovering and adjusting to this new life.

His long and arduous journey has been an emotional rollercoaster for Max, his family and his support team.

During his time in hospital, Max suffered with some mobility issues

He’s a true hero whose life and example should be followed by all of us

and needed a wheelchair.

Max’s team and family refused to leave him on his own so made the decision to stay with him to provide a 24/7 rota of care.

Max is grateful to his loving family, all the doctors and nurses, dieticians, and his dedicated team.

With lots of encouragement Max has come full circle and has now gained almost full mobility and can walk with a tri-walker.

Cornerstone team member Donna said: “Max survived where no human being would.

“He also taught us through his patience, resignation, and acceptance. His faith and acceptance of it all was a very humbling experience for us all.

“He’s a true hero whose life and example should be followed by all of us.”

The money raised in Perth will go to two charities, Cornerstone and Patients on Intravenous and Naso-gastric Nutrition Treatment (PINNT).

Cornerstone supports over 3000 people with disabilities and other long-term health conditions across Scotland including 198 individuals across Perth, Dundee and Angus.

PINNT provides mutual support and understanding to hundreds of adults and children and their families adapting to life on home artificial nutrition.

Anyone who would like to support Max can donate on his fundraising page at: https://www. gofundme.com/f/miles-with-max