Max Judge
In 2018, Max Judge was diagnosed at the age of 17 with Chondrosarcoma, a rare type of bone cancer, particularly uncommon in someone so young. Max underwent surgery and chemotherapy.
In 2020, he was informed that the cancer had returned, and the treatment option was another major surgery, followed by intense radiotherapy. In December 2022, Max's family were given the news that tumours had once again been identified in his pelvis and leg. Unfortunately, due to the severity of his previous treatments, Max was advised that a lower-limb amputation was his only option towards recovery.
Sarcoma is a rare cancer that does not receive the same levels of funding as more common cancers. Consequently, there are currently very limited treatment options, and research into alternatives is lacking.
Anyone who knows Max knows that he is a remarkably brave and inspirational young lad. The NHS has been a blessing to Max and his family, but sadly, the scope of rehabilitation using the available equipment is very limited.
Max required a highly advanced prosthetic leg, costing in the region of £90,000. The local community rallied with a number of fundraising initiatives, and we are delighted to see the target achieved. Grand Union Lodge 9641 was proud to support the appeal with a skydive contribution of £5,000.​
Max has since been working extremely hard learning to use his new prosthetic leg, which is far more advanced than his first. Designed by Ottobock, one of the world's leading manufacturers of prosthetics, it requires a great deal of strength and energy to use. Despite this, Max continues to make excellent progress each week, gaining greater independence, confidence and safety. While it can be tiring and is not worn all the time, Max is always happy to show it off - complete with a secret party trick.​​​​​​​​
