As it's no longer a missing site thread! Just posted on the other one this:
I have had a call today from someone who read my ad in one of the papers. She has read about a parrot found flying round a school in her local area - Liverpool. I don't know anything about the bird yet, I have a number to call but can't call it until after 5pm. It's a long shot, but whoever stole Max could have come from Liverpool, it's not that far from Preston. Once they realised he wouldn't talk and wasn't actually worth that much, they might have let him go.
Here's hoping - miracles sometimes happen don't they? It would be soooooo good if it was him!