Capturing courage: Corby teen’s video diary on life with a brain tumour reaches thousands
14-year-old Max Hall offers a glimpse into his daily routine to raise awareness
A Corby teenager’s honest video diaries about living with a a Stage 4 brain tumour have captured the hearts of thousands of people online.
Fourteen‑year‑old Max Hall is sharing a glimpse into his day‑to‑day life following his diagnosis, from quiet moments at home to trips for radiotherapy and taking medication, showing the strength and resilience each day demands.
From school project to inspiring others
What began as a simple school task has become something much bigger for Max: a way to help others understand what he’s going through and to reach young people facing similar challenges.
Max said: “Well, it was originally because I haven’t been to school in ages – it was for an assembly to show them how I’m doing.
''And then I thought to myself, this is really good because it’s helping other people who might be going through the same things as me.” He added.
Max chooses what to film and how to share it, offering glimpses of his life in his own words and on his own terms. His videos have already reached thousands on Facebook, with an outpouring of supportive comments praising his bravery.
“It means so much… it feels really good as well,” he added of the support he’s received online.
Meet Max: The Teen Behind the Camera
Max is a year 9 student at Weldon Village Academy, his family say he ''loves school'' and has a strong network of friends ''whom he misses dearly.''
A keen footballer, Max plays in two leagues for GLK United and is a dedicated Manchester United fan. He also has a love for music, especially the band Oasis, whose songs he listens to during treatment.
Max’s family describe him as ‘kind, funny and gentle’, and a devoted older brother to George and younger sister Hope – who say he means the ‘absolute world’ to them.
A sudden diagnosis
In late November 2025, life changed unexpectedly for 14‑year‑old Max Hall and his family. Just days after celebrating his birthday, Max experienced a sudden seizure at home, followed shortly afterwards by a second. He was taken to Kettering General Hospital for emergency care and later transferred to the Intensive Care Unit at Nottingham Queen’s Medical Centre, where specialists carried out further tests.
Max had been experiencing headaches for more than a year and was initially told they were ‘teenage migraines’. But when scans were finally carried out, they confirmed his family’s worst fears: Max had an inoperable, terminal brain tumour covering much of the left side of his brain. Because of its location, surgeons are unable to remove and it is considered incurable,
Max has continued receiving radiotherapy and supportive care to help manage his symptoms and maintain his quality of life. His family believe there may be further treatment options available abroad, including in Germany, and say they are determined to explore every possibility by raising the funds needed to give Max the best chance they can.
Raising awareness through bravery
Max's mum, Jackie Hall, said Max made the decision to film his day so others could get even a small glimpse of what life is really like for him at the moment. She said: “He initially wanted to show all of his classmates what he goes through because he hasn't seen them for so long.
"But then it also transpired that people were commenting that it's helped them who were facing a potential similar path to him.” She added.
Hospital staff have also reacted to Max’s video diary, his mum Jackie said. She explained that even at radiotherapy, Max’s main consultant told them it was “lovely” that he had made the video because it shows “the journey he’s on” from his own point of view, rather than only from the medical professionals’ perspective, which will in turn help others.
“When I came in the next day, they all said, ‘Oh, you’re famous. You’re famous,’” Max said recalling how nurses and doctors responded.
While limitations exist within the NHS, hopes of alternative treatments continue, as family and friends rally to raise funds for Max's journey.
To follow Max’s story and watch his video, visit ‘United For Max’ on Facebook. You can also read more about his journey on his GoFundMe page.