“I’m happy to do what I can to help”
Comedian Jon Richardson supported the launch of Max Matters at a Greater Manchester pub(Image: Supplied)
Actor and comedian Jon Richardson appeared at a pub in Greater Manchester to support the launch of a new charity ale.
On Wednesday, October 29, Lancaster-born Jon visited the Cloudwater Brewery Taproom in the centre of Manchester where they launched ‘Max Matters’.
The new charity ale was inspired by the brewery’s London Taproom Manager Chris Robertson and his late friend Max Bode, who lived with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, one of the most severe forms of inherited muscular dystrophies.
Jon Richardson supported the launch in his role as an ambassador of Muscular Dystrophy UK and was joined by representatives from the charity and brewery staff, including Chris Robertson, as well as Max Bode’s mum Kerry and his older sister Jessie.
Explaining why he supports Muscular Dystrophy UK, Jon Richardson said: “I’ve been involved with the charity for several years now, since meeting my friend Martin, who lives with limb girdle muscular dystrophy.
“I’m happy to do what I can to help, and the story of friendship and positivity behind ‘Max Matters’ is really inspiring. From meeting them, it’s clear how much this collaboration means to Chris, Max’s family, and the charity, and I’m sure it will help to raise awareness.”
The ale is in memory of Max Bode, who lived with Duchenne muscular dystrophy(Image: Supplied)
‘Max Matters’ is being sold in memory of Max, in aid of Muscular Dystrophy UK, the leading charity for more than 110,000 people in the UK living with one of over 60 muscle wasting conditions.
The ale will be available to buy online and from the Cloudwater Taprooms in Manchester and Bermondsey, London from Saturday 1 November, which coincides with the six-year anniversary of Max’s death.
‘Max Matters’ and Cloudwater’s collaboration with Muscular Dystrophy UK is inspired by the story of the brewery’s London Taproom Manager Chris Robertson and his late friend Max Bode, who lived with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and sadly died on 1 November 2019 aged 25.
The ale features illustrations made by Max himself(Image: Supplied)
Explaining what Cloudwater said when Chris approached his employer to ask if they could do something to celebrate Max, he said: “Not only did they agree to create a brew in Max’s name with a portion of the proceeds going to Muscular Dystrophy UK, but the design on the can features one of his illustrations so it’s a really personal product.”
“Max and I used to hang out a lot growing up and loved playing FIFA together and chatting about whose team was better – Manchester United for him, Liverpool for me.
“As we got into our teens, I remember my mum explaining to me the reality of Max’s muscle wasting condition and that things would get harder for him as his Duchenne muscular dystrophy worsened. I listened but I don’t think I really believed anything would change.
“Max always seemed invincible to me. He never let anything hold him back and was always living life to the fullest.”
The friends stayed in touch when they went to university in different cities and both graduated in similar fields within the arts. “I was buzzing that I managed to see his graduation show and all the amazing graphics and animations he’d done.
Jon Richardson visited the pub at the launch of Max Matters(Image: Supplied)
“Once again, the thought snuck back into my mind that he was invincible and would be around forever. He had made it into his 20s despite being told it was highly unlikely.
“Surely nothing could stop him now. But I was wrong, and sadly Max died on 1 November 2019 aged just 25. My tough as nails, kind, sensitive, incredible pal was taken too soon.
“I hope that this partnership helps to raise awareness as well as money for Muscular Dystrophy UK, the charity that supports people like Max who are living with muscle wasting conditions.”
Martin Hywood, Partnerships Manager at Muscular Dystrophy UK said: “On behalf of Muscular Dystrophy UK, I’d like to say a huge thank you to Chris for sharing his and Max’s story, to Max’s family for their support, and to Cloudwater for collaborating with us in this way – helping to raise money as well as increasing awareness of the charity and people we support. People like Max.
“And of course, we’d also like to thank our ambassador Jon Richardson for his ongoing support and coming to Cloudwater to meet Max’s family and some of the team behind ‘Max Matters’.”
‘Max Matters’ is available to buy online from Cloudwater from Saturday 1 November or directly from their Taproom in London or Manchester. For every ‘Max Matters’ sold, 10% of the profits will be donated to Muscular Dystrophy UK in memory of Max Bode.