Max Bode lived with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and sadly died on 1 November 2019, aged 25. His childhood friend Chris Robertson tells us what Max was like and why he approached Cloudwater to brew a charity ale in his friend’s memory.
‘Max Matters’: the story behind a new partnership with Cloudwater
Growing up, I was fortunate that my mum’s best friend Andy had a son Max who was a similar age to me. 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. What I’d give for him to be here now to see how well my team are doing!
They also used to invite me to play wheelchair basketball with them at the local group Max attended. I was awful at it, and he always outplayed me, as did most others in the group, but it was something I always got excited about doing together.
As we got into our teens, my mum explained to me the reality of Max’s condition and that things would get harder for Max 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. I particularly remember how excited he was when he got his motorised chair – we went for a ride together with me following on a push bike and I couldn’t keep up.
The reality of the situation really hit me when I noticed that Max was less able to play wheelchair basketball. I knew how much he loved the activities and groups he was part of, so seeing him struggling to do them was hard. That’s when I understood how all-encompassing and aggressive the condition was.
But he remained positive, took it on the chin and joined a powerchair football club. I’m still gutted to this day that I never managed to see him play a game.
I moved to London for uni while Max stayed in Norfolk, but we remained in touch, 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.
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 25. My tough as nails, kind, sensitive, incredible pal was taken too soon. I miss my bud.
I approached my employer Cloudwater to ask if we could do something to celebrate Max, to create a legacy for my friend. Not only did they agree to create a brew in his name, but the design on the can features one of his illustrations so it’s a really personal product.
I hope this will help 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.
Being able to do this for Max means the world to me. His memory matters. Max Matters.
“My son Max was an extraordinary young man. So gentle, modest and extremely talented. To see his artwork on an actual beer can is such an honour and totally blows my mind. Launching this beer so close to Max’s anniversary brings much joy, relieving some of the pain in my heart and giving another precious memory to physically hold onto. Thank you so much for this collaboration. We must continue to raise money and create awareness in as many ways as possible to help the fight against muscular dystrophy.”
Kerry
Max's mum
“This collaboration is absolutely amazing! Seeing Max’s artwork on a beer can is so special. He loved a beer, and I know this would have meant the world to him as it does to me. Raising awareness and money for such a worthwhile cause and honouring the best little brother I could ask for.”
Jessie
Max's older sister
About Cloudwater and ‘Max Matters’:
Founded in 2014, Cloudwater pride themselves in being an inclusive, human-centred business, and working with charities is part of that. In March 2025, they teamed up with two charities to create distinct beverages for International Women’s Day, and now they are working with us to celebrate the life of Max Bode with a new hazy ale ‘Max Matters’.
‘Max Matters’ officially launched on Wednesday 26 October at Cloudwater’s Brewery Taproom in Manchester, supported by our ambassador Jon Richardson.
The ale is hazy orange in appearance, with bright aromas of orange and grapefruit, backed by a dank herbaceousness and some dark berry. Flavour is spicy, herbal, sweet and orangey, with a long, sweet finish.
For every ‘Max Matters’ sold, 10% of the profits will be donated to us in memory of Max Bode.
‘Max Matters’ is available to buy from Cloudwater here or you can visit their Taproom in Manchester or London.
You must be 18 or over to buy ‘Max Matters’. Please drink responsibly.
