A truly heartwarming milestone has been reached in Southport, as the £250,000 fundraising target for a commemorative playground at Churchtown Primary School has now been achieved. The playground will serve as a lasting tribute to Alice Aguiar, Bebe King, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, ensuring their memory lives on through a space filled with joy, creativity, and friendship.A Southport father has taken on a remarkable challenge to honour the memory of his daughter, Elsie Dot Stancombe, who tragically lost her life in the devastating knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club in July 2024.
Seven-year-old Elsie, remembered for her infectious smile and kind heart, died alongside Bebe King and Alice Aguiar in an event that shook the entire Southport community. Now, her dad David Stancombe is keeping her memory alive by turning grief into purpose—running for a cause that reflects Elsie’s love, kindness, and spirit.
Running in Her Footsteps
David, 35, completed the Liverpool Half Marathon on Sunday, joined by 240 supporters, all wearing ribbons and glitter—a touching nod to Elsie’s bright and joyful personality. Many of his training runs, he shared, followed the same routes he once ran with Elsie.
“It’s just something I’ve got to do,” he told BBC Breakfast.
Next month, David will continue his journey by running the London Marathon, raising money for the family’s charity, Elsie’s Story, which aims to support children and families affected by trauma, and to spread a message of hope, resilience, and love.
A Mother’s Strength
Elsie’s mum, Jenni Stancombe, spoke of how her role as a parent has changed, and how she now channels that love into helping others in Elsie’s name.
“This is a way for me to be a mum for Elsie now… Continuing her legacy – and that legacy is love and hope,” she said.
“If we have an opportunity to raise money and give back for other children in Elsie’s memory, that will be a gift for us to do.”
She added that the community support has been “nothing short of incredible,” and believes that Elsie’s Story will become the positive legacy born from such an unthinkable tragedy.
Running Together, Healing Together
David and his running partner described the marathon training as a source of strength and connection through the most difficult days. Their runs became a place for heart-to-heart conversations, shared support, and healing.
“Elsie always smiled to make others smile,” Jenni recalled, noting that her daughter had already raised money for charity in her short life.
Community United in Remembrance
On the same day, Alice Aguiar’s father, Sergio, also ran the Liverpool Half Marathon, as part of his own campaign to raise funds for a £250,000 playground at Churchtown Primary School in Alice’s memory.
Both families will be running the London Marathon in April, representing not only their daughters’ memories but a united community determined to spread love in the face of loss.
“We will not let evil win,” Jenni said firmly.
“Elsie’s Story will be the good that comes out of that awful day.”
To support Elsie’s Story and follow the Stancombe family’s journey, keep an eye on local updates and fundraising pages.
Southport stands with you, David and Jenni. 💛
#Southport #ElsiesStory #LegacyOfHope #LiverpoolHalfMarathon #LondonMarathon #StrongerTogether #LoveOverHate #CommunitySupport #SouthportUnited
Credit: BBC
