Max's story

Max and I have been asked by a National Children's Charity to support them by speaking to the media. They have asked Max to share his inspiring story and include it in a major piece of work they are embarking on this autumn. So I have had my first taste of ghost writing and here is his story!
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When you look at me I immediately appear different. That can be very hard to cope with. My name is Max Lewis and I’m fifteen. I love to watch wrestling, go to the cinema and play with my cat Chutney; I also have Down’s syndrome. Oh, and I’m a BIG Dr Who fan. I don’t know what it’s like not to have Down’s syndrome because it’s something I was born with (I have an extra chromosome), so I guess you could say I don’t know any different. But it can be very difficult having to face every day with a disability. People immediately think I’m stupid and that I can’t do anything and they sometimes stare at me too. That makes me feel worthless, it also makes me angry.

I have low muscle tone, so some tasks many people take for granted, I find hard, like walking long distances, going up and down stairs and holding a pen. I love to chat and have a lot to say, but sometimes it’s hard to speak clearly and I struggle to make myself understood. I can get quite confused too, especially if I’m told a lot of things, I find it difficult to remember them all. I also have a hole in my heart. All the challenges I face can make me very unhappy and frustrated.

But I’m always quick to smile and like to look for the good things in life. I love being with people, and enjoying myself, I have loads of friends and I’m a great guy. Most of all, I love to act. Since I was seven, I’ve gone to the Chickenshed Theatre Group every week. Because people got to know that I loved acting I was asked by Richard Eyre to audition to be in a film called Notes on a Scandal starring Judi Dench, Bill Nighy and Cate Blanchett. I was so nervous and worried about it, but I really wanted to be in the film so I did my very best and showed Richard how much I could act – and I got the part! I was thrilled.

I had such fun during the filming; I even had my own trailer! It was very exciting, but it was hard work and I got quite tired. I enjoyed messing about with Bill Nighy who was very funny and I thought Cate Blanchett was beautiful. Judi Dench was always kind to me and we have a dance together in the film. Being in a Hollywood movie gave me confidence and I feel much better about myself. How many people can say they’ve been in a movie? My mum has also written a book about me called Living with Max. It made me think that maybe I’m ok and that I can have goals and do things. Since then I’ve had a great time, nothing as exciting as being in a film, but everyday I put my heart into whatever I’m doing, life is for living!
Written for Max by his mum – Sandy Lewis.