Stars bearing memories of popular Marlborough rugby player and music lover Max Pearson were hung on a Christmas tree by friends last night (Monday) during a candlelit vigil.
Dozens of young people attended an informal session at St Mary’s Church to share memories and write messages, which will be given to the family after today’s funeral service.
Also present were Max’s mother and stepfather, Stella and Guy Clarkson.
Mr Clarkson told Marlborough News Online: “It is heart-warming to know that Max had such a wide circle of friends, who’ve already done some lovely things in his memory.
“The time Max spent with his friends was the time he enjoyed himself most.
“I am sure all the messages left on the tree will be a great comfort to us.”
Mr Clarkson also expressed particular thanks to family friend Angela McGrorty, who organised the candle lighting, and to Daniel Claridge, instigator of the Tree of Memories for Max, and the tree at Marlborough Town Hall, on which anybody who has lost a loved one in the past 12 months can hang a message in their memory.
One of the young people who attended the church to leave a message was 16-year-old Coco Leigh, who met Max through friends. She wrote: “Rest in Peace. Forever remembered in our hearts. Big love.”
Max (21) was killed when the Renault Clio he was driving hit a tree on the Grand Avenue in the Savernake Forest in the early hours of Sunday, November 23.
He sustained major injuries and died at the scene. His four passengers – Sam Parrington (19), Emily Rodriguez-Martin (17), Archie Tuxford (15) and Louis Lamb (18) – were taken to hospital. All have since been discharged.
