A Powerful Story to Say the Biggest Thank You This Christmas

As we reach the end of 2025, we wanted to share something special — a short story that shows the difference you’ve made to young people this year.

Max’s story

For many young people, the transition to high school is challenging. For Max, it was particularly hard - a time shadowed by personal struggles that had shaped much of his life so far. After losing his mum, Max lived with his gran. “Then I was seeing my gran’s health decline”. Max felt the pressure got worse. He battled with anxiety and self-doubt. And that made everyday life and school feel impossible.

When Max began high school, life felt tough. "I just started to get really nervous all of a sudden... I couldn't do a full day of school." he recalls.

The scale of the school. Crowded corridors. Constant rushing between classes. At a time when Max needed calm, it all felt too much. “I felt anxious and uncertain. I was barely coping. I knew I needed an anchor, someone steady to help me get through the chaos”.

Max found some relief through MCR Pathways Group Work sessions. A space to talk and connect with others. But the big change came when he was paired with his mentor - Graeme.

Though Max felt nervous about meeting someone new, his gran encouraged him to give it a chance. From their first meeting, the connection was unmistakable. “I was nervous about meeting him. But gran encouraged me to try. At that first meeting, the connection was instant. We bonded over things like football and travel.”

Graeme's calm, steady presence, consistency and genuine care made all the difference. "Soon my weekly meetings became my sanctuary. It was seeing Graeme and talking to him. And being able to share the same kind of interests," Max says. "Graeme believed in me. He helped me finally believe in myself. My anxiety faded. I was growing in confidence. I felt I had a strong sense of purpose.”

“Today, I'm thriving. I'm using my experience to lift others up. When I saw a fellow student struggling, I made sure he got what he needed. Quietly. With kindness. I'm also a confident advocate for others like me. I've shared my story with government representatives. I want to shape a better future for other care-experienced young people like me.”

“I once needed someone to believe in me. Now, because of Graeme, I'm that person for others. I'm living proof that one meaningful connection really can change a life.”

Max is one of over 7000 young people supported in the last year. Max’s story captures the heart of what your generosity means. The simple act of you caring enough to make a difference. A gift that changes futures. Your gift becomes a mentor. A mentor reaches a young person. A young person discovers their worth and passes that on to others. A small gesture becomes a widening circle. A chain of kindness. It reshapes what’s possible for every young person.

Alongside the story, our team has created a short film. It's a couple of minutes to celebrate what you’ve made possible. The amazing reach you’ve helped us achieve. And the way you’ve made young people, mentors, and parents feel. There’s some special messages from our young people, to let you know what a difference you’ve made to them. More than anything, we hope Max's story and our film brings you the same sense of pride it gives us.

Watch video here: https://www.canva.com/design/D...

Throughout this year there have been quiet moments of confidence gained. Laughter shared. Plans made. And futures brightened. All because of support from people like you. Your support this year has helped young people feel seen. Believed in. And given the encouragement everyone deserves. None of this happens without you. And we can’t say thank you enough.

The Big Give was our first ever Christmas Campaign and was a perfect way to wrap up the year. We’ve been so fortunate — donors gifted in early December, and partners doubled their donations. We're very thankful for the match funding from W.L. Gore and Associates, Bright Signals, Robertson Group, and AKO Foundation. You've raised £6000 towards supporting mentoring for young people like Max. Some supporters have even chosen to begin a small monthly gift plan. We're so grateful. This helps us move forward with confidence and ensure every young person who needs a mentor has one.

As we look back on this year, we’re reminded again and again that none of it happens alone. It’s impossible not to see the thread of kindness running through it all. Every donor, every partner, every fundraiser and every supporter. You have played a part in lifting young people up. Reaching young people at moments when they needed it most. You’ve shaped a year we’ll never forget. And a future that’s brighter because of you.