Latest news with #ChurchtownPlayground
Daily Mirror
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Kate Middleton and Prince William's secret gesture in memory of Southport stabbing victims
The Prince and Princess of Wales visited Southport last year, weeks after a horrific stabbing attack claimed the lives of three young girls - and now it's emerged they've made an incredible gesture in their memory The Prince and Princess of Wales have made an "incredibly generous" gesture in memory of the young girls killed in the horrific Southport stabbing attack. William and Kate travelled to the town in the weeks after Elsie Dot Stancombe, Alice da Silva Aguiar, and Bebe King were killed at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in July to meet with their families and emergency services who responded to the attack. Yesterday, both Elsie and Alice's dads, David Stancombe and Sergio Aguiar, ran the London Marathon to raise money for projects in memory of their daughters. This includes creating a new playground at Churchtown Primary School, which was attended by both Alice and Bebe. Running alongside them for the cause was the school's headteacher Jinnie Payne. And before the race, she revealed on social media that the royal couple had been in touch to send a message of support ahead of the marathon - and also made a donation to the playground fund. She said: "On behalf of Churchtown Primary School, I want to say a heartfelt thank you to their Royal Highnesses, the Prince and Princess of Wales, for their incredibly generous donation to our Churchtown Playground fund. "Their kindness and thoughtfulness mean so much to our whole community as we come together to honour the memories of Alice and Bebe, two much-loved members of our school family. As Alice's dad Sergio, and I prepare to run the London Marathon today in their memory, we are deeply touched and encouraged by William's and Kate's support." William and Kate spent 90 minutes chatting with the families during a visit to Southport last October, which was their first official joint engagement since Kate's cancer treatment had ended. They also walked the short distance to the scene of the tragedy, where they met with emergency responders and health practitioners to hear their experiences. William told the responders: "You're all heroes. Please make sure you look after yourselves, please take your time, don't rush back to work." In a post to the couple's Kensington Royal social media accounts, they said: "Meeting the community today has been a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting one another in the wake of unimaginable tragedy." It's understood the visit had initially been for William to undertake alone before Kate decided to join as a show of support for the town. During the visit, Kate was asked how the bereaved families were coping, and replied: "They're okay. They're managing it differently. All the families are so different. Individually too they are managing it and processing this tragic event in very different ways, but they're getting support from families and officers and things like that." After the visit, Phil Garrigan, chief fire officer for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, said: "The Princess of Wales broke off and came back into the building to give a hug to the people who responded because she could see the emotion in them and could see it was difficult for them to relay their feelings and to say how impactful events have been. I think that just shows a really caring side and is very very touching for them." Killer Axel Rudakubana was jailed for life for the three girls' deaths - alongside the attempted murder of eight other children - and was handed a minimum term of 52 years in January. Get Royal Family updates straight to your WhatsApp! As the royals get back to their normal duties after a difficult year, the Mirror has launched its very own Royal WhatsApp community where you'll get all the latest news on the UK's most famous family. We'll send you the latest breaking updates and exclusives all directly to your phone. Users must download or already have WhatsApp on their phones to join in. All you have to do to join is click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! We may also send you stories from other titles across the Reach group. We will also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose Exit group. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Daily Mail
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Kate Middleton and Prince William's 'incredibly generous' donation to Southport school in memory of stabbing victims is revealed
The Prince and Princess of Wales have quietly made a donation to a primary school in Southport to help them fund a new playground in memory of the children killed in a knife attack last July. Prince William and Kate made the emotional pilgrimage to Liverpool last October to meet with the families of the three girls who lost their lives in the attack - in the princess's first public engagement since completing chemotherapy for cancer. Alice Aguiar, nine, and Bebe King, six, were killed along with seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe in an attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class. Teenage killer Axel Rudakubana was jailed for life for their deaths - alongside the attempted murder of eight other children - and was handed a minimum term of 52 years in January. Alice's parents have since been raising money to build a new playground at Churchtown Primary School, attended by Alice and Bebe. The new space is set to be honour the girls' memories and provide an expanded space for children to play in. The donation from the royals was revealed over the weekend by Jinnie Payne, headteacher of Churchtown Primary School. She wrote in a message shared on social media: 'On behalf of Churchtown Primary School, I want to say a heartfelt thank you to their Royal Highnesses, the Prince and Princess of Wales, for their incredibly generous donation to our Churchtown Playground fund. 'Their kindness and thoughtfulness mean so much to our whole community as we come together to honour the memories of Alice and Bebe, two much-loved members of our school family. 'As Alice's dad Sergio, and I prepare to run the London Marathon today in their memory, we are deeply touched and encouraged by William's and Kate's support.' In October, Kate and William met with the families of Bebe, Elsie and Alice. They also spent time with dance teacher Leanne Lucas, 35, who was seriously injured as she shielded youngsters as they were attacked by a knifeman during a Taylor Swift-themed summer holiday class. Afterwards the couple spoke to emergency responders who attended and helped on the day, with the Princess hailing them 'true heroes', while William called them 'true professionals'. In an emotional post following their visit, the couple pledged that they 'continue to stand with everyone in Southport.' They said: 'Meeting the community today has been a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting one another in the wake of unimaginable tragedy. You will remain in our thoughts and prayers.' Prince William had promised the families and local community he would visit as soon as possible and his visit had long been scheduled in. But the decision by his wife to join him was more recent. It is understood that she wanted to 'show her support, empathy and compassion to the local community'. Headteacher Jinnie Payne shared news of the donation on social media this weekend. At the time of the incident the couple shared a personal message of shock and sympathy for those affected and, like her husband, the princess has kept a keen eye on events since. In a deeply personal statement released in the wake of the attack, the Princess wrote: 'As parents, we cannot begin to imagine what the families, friends and loved ones of those killed and injured in Southport today are going through.' On Sunday, Jinnie and Sergio completed the London Marathon, also in memory of Alice and Bebe, and to raise funds for the playground. Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Jinnie read a statement on behalf of Bebe's mother last month: 'We are incredibly grateful to anyone who made this playground possible, to the school, to the donors and the entire community. Thank you for your generosity and kindness. Bebe loved this school so much. 'This playground is a beautiful tribute to Bebe and Alice and their light will live in the joy of the children who will enjoy it for years to come. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.' The project reached its £250,000 target in March, while any additional funds are being donated to local charities helping those affected by the tragedy, according to the GoFundMe page. Head teacher Jinnie Payne said they had been 'overwhelmed' after receiving over 9,000 donations, with the total now standing at more than £350,000. 'This has been an incredibly difficult time for the whole of the Southport community,' she said. Plans for the new playground (pictured), which is due to be completed in September, include a performance stage and a library 'This project is testament to the love that surrounds Alice and Bebe and their memory.' The project was established after speaking to the families of the three girls and building is set to be finished in September, according to the BBC. Featuring a performance stage and library, the playground is set to be 'inclusive' and will offer opportunities to more than 700 children. Kate and William's visit to Southport marked the first public engagement for the princess since she announced that she had complete treatment for cancer and would undertake a carefully calibrated return to public duties. Apart from a small media contingency, the visit was kept deliberately low key as both the prince and princess wanted it to remain as discreet as possible out of respect to those involved. Their meeting with the victims' families was held completely in private and not announced publicly until they had left. The prince and princess spent half an hour in private with each of the girls' families. The couple then walked from their last meeting, with dancer teacher Leanne Lucas, to the nearby community centre to speak to the first responders. They were met by Peter Oliver, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside at Southport Community Centre. William was dressed in jacket and tie while Catherine wore a brown coat and heels and looked visibly moved as they spoke, gesturing with her hands. However, the couple then went on to meet with emergency responders who were involved in the aftermath of the attack at a local community centre to hear about their experiences and speak to mental health practitioners who have been working to deliver long term support to the blue light community in Southport. While speaking to the emergency personnel, Kate was asked how the families of the three girls killed in the attack were doing. She said: 'They're OK. They're managing it differently. All the families are so different. Individually too they are managing it and processing this tragic event in very different ways but they're getting support from families and officers and things like that. 'I think being able to have opportunities to be able to speak to different people in the community about the experience and drawing that together and sharing their experience I think is massively helpful.' Referencing the earlier meeting with the families of those who died in the attack, the Princess of Wales said: 'I can't underestimate how grateful they all are for the support you provided on the day. 'On behalf of them, thank you.' The Prince of Wales told the personnel: 'You're all heroes. Please make sure you look after yourselves, please take your time, don't rush back to work.' Kate added: 'Support in general has really improved for first responders across the board [but] there are still gaps there. It could be better?' 'You can speak honestly,' William said, which caused ripples of laughter. Told they could always do with more time to digest what had happened, the Princess nodded, adding: 'Just sit and reflect.' The couple shook hands with the emergency workers after the conversation. Kate rested a hand on William's back as she joined him to speak to a member of air ambulance crew. William called the emergency workers 'true professionals' and said they had a 'bumpy few months' ahead but would get through it together. He said: 'The first thing we thought about was actually how on earth you guys are going to handle having seen what you've seen. So, please take your time, don't rush back to work, do whatever you need to, talk about it, give your superiors a hard time if they not letting you have that time to decompress because it's so important you have those moments.' The couple posted on social media that the visit had been a 'powerful' reminder of the need to support one another 'in the wake of unimaginable tragedy'. Chief fire officer for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service Phil Garrigan said he had a 'really lovely fleeting conversation' with William and Kate after they had spoken to the group of emergency personnel. He said: 'The Princess of Wales broke off and came back into the building to give a hug to the people who responded because she could see the emotion in them and could see it was difficult for them to relay their feelings and to say how impactful events have been. 'I think that just shows a really caring side and is very, very touching for them.' William and Catherine's Royal Foundation also made a donation to the the National Police and Wellbeing Service's fundraiser to help fast track psychological and physical rehabilitation for police and ambulance personnel who were involved in the attack and the subsequent riots. In January, Axel Rudakubana, 18, was jailed for life with a minimum term of 52 years for carrying out the Southport attacks with a judge admitting he will likely remain in prison until he dies. Rudakubana was handed 13 sentences including the murders of Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and the attempted murder of eight other children in Southport. Mr Justice Goose passed his sentence on a day of high drama and emotion as the teenager was twice removed from the dock for interrupting proceedings. here.
The Sun
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Two dads of Southport victims triumph at London Marathon as they proudly display medals and raise cash for fund
TWO dads of Southport victims proudly display their medals yesterday after an emotional London Marathon. Sergio Aguiar and David Stancombe raised cash for projects set up in memory of their murdered girls Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven. 11 11 11 Sergio had a picture of nine-year-old Alice on his T-shirt and collapsed to the ground at the finish. 'Elsie's dad' was displayed on David's top and he gave a thumbs-up when he crossed the line. The girls were killed alongside Bebe King, six, in a horrific knife rampage last July. Bebe's parents Lauren and Ben were both cheering from the sidelines. Prince William and Princess Kate are understood to have sent their best wishes to the dads. They also donated to Elsie's Story, as well as the Churchtown Playground fund, for which Sergio ran. Elsie's mum Jenni said beforehand: 'We did get a special message from the Prince and Princess of Wales. Obviously we've previously met and spent some time with them and told them about Elsie's Story. So to have a message and a donation means a lot to us.' David added: 'It was special.' Around 56,000 runners took part in the event — with organisers hopeful of breaking New York's record in November of 55,646 finishers. EastEnders actor Adam Woodyatt ran for Alzheimer's UK and had 'Babs' Army' on his T-shirt with a picture of co-star Dame Barbara Windsor, who died in 2020. TV host Helen Skelton, ex-footballer John Terry and Virgin Radio DJ Chris Evans were among other celeb finishers. Comedian Joel Dommett hoped to do it in under three hours, but fainted halfway through. Team GB legend Paula Radcliffe gives her top tips ahead of running a marathon The youngest runner was Lucy Jones, 18 yesterday, while the oldest were Mohan Kudchadker, 84, and Mary Jo Brinkman, 83, who both travelled from the US. Costumes included Big Bens, sharks and giant chickens. Tigst Assefa won the women's elite race in a world record 02.15.50. Two pro-Palestine protesters jumped the barriers at Tower Bridge and threw red powder paint in front of the men's elite race, won by Sabastian Sawe in 02.2.25. Sun sports reporter Joshua Jones ran for youth violence charity Power The Fight, finishing in 04.05.39. 11 11
Daily Mirror
27-04-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Amazing Southport dads complete London marathon in memory of daughters killed in knife attack
David Stancombe ran in memory of seven-year-old Elsie Dot and Sergio Aguiar ran for nine-year-old Alice. After the race, the two dads emotionally embraced their wives Two dads who lost their daughters in the horrific Southport attack both heroically finished their charity runs in the London marathon today. They ran with the head teacher of one of the girl's schools, who said: "The Southport community are wrapping their arms around us. I can feel it." David Stancombe ran in memory of seven-year-old Elsie Dot. Sergio Aguiar ran for nine-year-old Alice. After they finished they emotionally embraced their wives while still wearing their medals. They both raced in the searing heat to raise money for projects set up in their daughters' memory after they were killed at a Taylor Swift themed dance day last year. David's wife Jenni revealed today that Prince William and Kate donated to their cause and had sent the family a "special message" before the race. Jinnie Payne, the head of Churchtown Primary, where Alice and another victim Bebe King attended, said: "I am feeling absolutely amazing because the crowds are unbelievable. Thank you so much. This whole event is fantastic. "This is the most important thing for Alice, Bebe and Elsie and that is my stride. I just go one, two, three.' Six-year-old Bebe's parents, Lauren and Ben King, were also in London cheering on from the sideline. Jennie also said that William and Catherine made a donation to the Churchtown Playground fund. She said the school was "deeply touched and encouraged by William's and Kate's support". Before the race Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer sent a personal message of good luck to the two dads. Sergio said it was "good" to have received a message from the PM and told him: 'We want to say thank you for all the support.' David added: "Even now it still blows me away that so many people know about it and you're getting messages from the prime minister. I would love people to know I've seen their message, but I have genuinely read so many of them. It's amazing.' Sir Keir said: "David and Sergio, I want to wish you the very best of luck in the London Marathon. I know how much it means to you and your families. This is an incredible way to honour the memory of your precious daughters and the entire nation is in awe of your courage and your resilience. We'll all be with you every single step of the way. Good luck." It was a record-breaking marathon day. With both the London and Manchester marathons taking place on the same day - yesterday was the largest day of marathon running in UK history. The London Marathon organisers confirmed yesterday's race had a world record number of starters. There were over 56,000 in the capital and 36,000 in Manchester. Among the astonishing stories of the day was Olivia Tsim who secured second place in her first ever marathon and was reunited with her seven month old baby Alexis on the podium. Lindsey Burrow led some of the famous names taking part in London. She said husband Rob, the rugby league legend who died last year, was with her 'throughout'. There were many celebrities and former sports stars taking part. Former England and Chelsea captain John Terry struggled. He was pictured with a bloodied nipple and walking part of the way while being cheered on by the crowd. He said: 'That was the toughest thing I've done. Yeah, really tough. Both mentally and physically. 'This feels chalk and cheese to how you feel after a football match. Can't compare that.' Seven-time Olympic cycling champion Sir Jason Kenny said: 'It was absolutely amazing. Running with all of these amazing people who are mainly running for other people or causes is emotional. "In the last couple of kilometres, my legs started to fall off and there were just bodies everywhere, but everyone was just pushing each other through. I'm running for my mate Chris Hoy and supporting his fundraising so all the emotion bubbles up in the last few kilometres. It was brutal but amazing." Among the other stars who ran were Sir Andrew Strauss and Sir Alastair Cook - former England cricket captains. TV and radio presenters Chris Evans, Jenni Falconer, Joel Dommett, Joe Wicks, Adele Roberts, Craig Doyle and Marcus Bean. EastEnders actor Adam Woodyatt was with his real son and his screen son Thomas Law. Others included model and radio host Kelly Brook, Line of Duty's Craig Parkinson, singer Alexandra Burke, Rivals actress Kelly McGrillis, Outlanders' Sam Heughan, actor Stephen Mangan, Emmerdale 's Tony Audenshaw, Shetland actor Jack Greenlees and Jesy Nelson's boyfriend Zion Foster. Gogglebox's Baasit Siddiqui and Stephen Webb, Jake Quickenden, Joe Sugg, Made in Chelsea's Spencer Matthews and Ollie Proudlock, Suzanne Shaw, Ramesh Ranganathan, Harry Judd and Dr Alex George. Flora Turnbull, the daughter of BBC Breakfast presenter Bill, ran. Bill died of prostate cancer in 2022 and Flora has continued to raise money and awareness about the disease since. Fiona said: 'After his death, we as a family were overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and thanks from people across the nation, and particularly those men who were inspired to learn more about their own prostate cancer risk and speak to their GP. But there is still work to be done. That's why I signed up to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK. "I want to ensure that everyone can keep their dads, partners, brothers, sons, grandads, uncles, and friends around as long as possible.' David Prescott, the son of the late Labour MP John Prescott, ran to raise money for dementia research in memory of his father. The former deputy prime minister died at the age of 86 in November 2024 after living with Alzheimer's disease for a number of years. David said: It's the biggest killer of people in the UK. For every one dementia researcher there's four researchers looking into cancer research. So there's a big inequality in terms of funding and in terms of mindset." The race was briefly disrupted by activists from UK Youth Demand on Tower Bridge. They threw bright pink powder across the road as the elite runners crossed the River Thames. Pictures taken at the scene show the two protestors being tackled by stewards, before they were led away from the course.
