31 March 2011
Dunstable lad, Max-Lee Phipps, 16, has shared a once-in-a-lifetime
adventure with millions of TV viewers.
Max, from Eaton Bray who has an incurable illness and visits Keech Hospice Care, featured in Channel 5’s moving series this week, Starlight: For The Children. Viewers saw car fan Max enjoy the drive of his life at the Silverstone track, in a Ferrari California with champion driver Jason Plato at the wheel.
The exciting experience was arranged by the Starlight Children’s foundation last year and saw Max riding at 140mph in the sleek Ferrari with British Touring Car Champion and Fifth Gear presenter Jason.
Max has a rare condition called adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) – a life-shortening illness which attacks the adrenal gland and causes progressive brain damage. In the programme, Max talks of his determination not to allow his health problems top stop him living a full life. He said: ‘It may be there in the background but I am not going to let it stop me doing what I want to do.’
Max’s physical difficulties include problems with his eyesight, breathing and eating. Although his vision is deteriorating, he is still studying AS-level photography and AS-level media studies at Dunstable’s Queensbury School. Dad Steven and mum Elizabeth, who have two other children, Tia, nine and Zac, 13, are very proud of Max. Elizabeth said: ‘He is very determined to carry on going to school. That’s one of the most normal things that he can do, going to sixth form and seeing his friends.
Max’s eyesight problems mean that he will never drive, despite his love of cars, so his trip to Silverstone was all the more precious for him.
You can see the full episode of Starlight: For The Children here.
