Latest news with #Stancombe
Western Telegraph
18-05-2025
- Health
- Western Telegraph
Mother of Southport victim praises ‘inspiring' blood donors
Almost 100 people donated blood at the session at St John Stone Church in Southport on Saturday. Seven-year-old Elsie was one of three girls murdered in the Southport mass stabbing attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class last summer. Her parents, Jenni and Dave Stancombe, worked with NHS Blood and Transplant to organise the blood donation event through Elsie's Story, the charity they founded in her memory. We want Southport to be renowned for the warmth and generosity of its amazing community, not for the events of that day Jenni Stancombe Among the NHS Blood and Transplant staff supporting the session were two members of the transport team based at the Liverpool blood centre who responded to the Southport attack. Ms Stancombe said she wanted Elsie's Story to 'create a legacy of love and hope' in her daughter's name. She added: 'Although the outcome for Elsie was tragically different, we know that blood transfusions were crucial for many of those injured that day. 'NHS Blood and Transplant made 10 emergency deliveries of blood to hospitals treating the casualties and that quick response meant the lifesaving blood was available for everyone who needed it. 'For some people here today, giving blood is their way of repaying those whose donations were so vital that day.' Ms Stancombe added: 'We want Southport to be renowned for the warmth and generosity of its amazing community, not for the events of that day. 'Today has been a wonderful example of that. 'The atmosphere was so uplifting and inspiring and we are grateful to all the donors and staff for their support.' Stephen Kuypers and Dave Oxton were among a team of drivers on shift the day of the Southport attacks who made 10 emergency blue-light deliveries of blood supplies in three hours to four hospitals, including Alder Hey Children's Hospital. Blue lights are only used when a hospital requests blood products they urgently need for a specific patient or incident, NHS Blood and Transplant said. If a patient's blood type is unknown, they can safely be given O negative blood, which makes it vital in emergencies. Mr Kuypers said: 'On that dreadful day last July, I took the phone call from our hospital services team informing us of a major incident and instructing us to prepare for emergency deliveries. 'At the height of the response we were making three blue light deliveries an hour, which is extremely rare. I delivered two urgent orders to Alder Hey and Aintree hospitals. 'Hospital colleagues later told us that the quick response of the Liverpool transport team helped ensure that the patients received the best possible care. 'The was a very rewarding message to receive and it meant a lot to the team who all pulled together and put in extra hours that day to ensure all the deliveries were covered.' The blood donation session in Southport (NHS Blood and Transplant/PA) NHS Blood and Transplant chief executive Dr Jo Farrar said: 'It is wonderful to see how many people have been inspired by Elsie's Story to give blood, and we are thankful to Elsie's brave parents Jenni and Dave for their incredible support. 'Because each donation can help up to three adults or six children, 300 lives or more will be saved and improved in Elsie's memory. 'A constant supply of blood is needed every day to help patients receiving treatment for conditions like cancer, sickle cell or giving birth as well as being prepared for unexpected emergencies and incidents, just like that dreadful day last July.' NHS Blood and Transplant said it was appealing to blood and platelet donors across England to help fill tens of thousands of appointments at town and city donor centres over the coming days and weeks. There are concerns that four bank holidays falling in six weeks could 'push blood supplies to critical levels' as donations often drop over bank holiday weekends. The NHS is appealing for more O negative donations in particular, the blood type needed in emergencies. NHS Blood and Transplant issued an amber alert in July 2024, which remains in place in England, due to a severe shortage of O negative blood triggered by the cyber-attack on London hospitals last year. The attack meant major London hospitals could not cross match blood so the hospitals could only use O negative.
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Fathers of Southport victims complete London marathon in tribute to daughters
The fathers of two girls killed in the Southport attack have completed the London Marathon in an emotional tribute to their daughters. Sergio Aguiar and David Stancombe entered the race to raise money for projects set up in their daughters' memory. Alice Aguiar, nine, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Bebe King, six, were killed last July at a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop. The fathers received encouragement from Sir Keir Starmer on the morning of the race with Mr Aguiar telling the BBC it was "good" to have received his support. Mr Stancombe 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," he added. Mr Aguir finished the gruelling race on Sunday with a time of four hours and five minutes. Mr Stancombe finished in four hours and 28 minutes. Bebe's parents, Lauren and Ben King, went to London to cheer from the sidelines as Mr Aguiar and Mr Stancombe ran the 26.2 mile (42.2km) route. In the video message played to the families ahead of the race, Starmer said: "David and Sergio, I want to wish you the very best of luck in the London Marathon this weekend. 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." Mr Stancombe was raising money for Elsie's Story, a charitable trust that makes grants to assist young people and support others in the Southport area. Elsie's mother, Jenni Stancombe, told BBC Breakfast the Prince and Princess of Wales had donated to Elsie's Story and sent the family a "special message" ahead of the race. Running alongside Mr Aguiar was Jinnie Payne, the headteacher of Churchtown Primary School, where Alice and Bebe were pupils. She said Prince William and Catherine made a donation to the Churchtown Playground fund for a new playground, including a performance stage and library, at the school. Mrs Payne said the school was "deeply touched and encouraged by William's and Kate's support". 'Our daughters will be with us,' say dads of Southport victims running London Marathon Southport dad runs for Elsie's 'legacy of hope' Southport victim's father says community is 'so kind'
BBC News
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Keir Starmer wishes Southport victims' families luck ahead of London Marathon
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has wished luck to two fathers whose daughters were killed in the Southport attack as they prepare to run the London Aguiar and David Stancombe entered the race to raise money for projects set up in their daughters' memory. Alice Aguiar, nine, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Bebe King, six, were killed last July while they attended a Taylor Swift-themed dance Aguiar told BBC Breakfast it was "good" to have received a message from the PM. "We want to say thank you for all the support," he Stancombe 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," he parents, Lauren and Ben King, will both be cheering on from the sidelines as Mr Aguiar and Mr Stancombe run the 26.2 mile (42.2km) route. In a video message, played to the families ahead of the race, Sir Keir said: "David and Sergio, I want to wish you the very best of luck in the London Marathon this weekend. 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."Mr Stancombe is raising money for Elsie's Story, a charitable trust that makes grants to assist young people and support others in the Southport mother, Jenni Stancombe, told BBC Breakfast the Prince and Princess of Wales had donated to Elsie's Story and sent the family a "special message" ahead of the alongside Mr Aguiar will be Jinnie Payne, the headteacher of Churchtown Primary School, where Alice and Bebe were says Prince William and Catherine made a donation to the Churchtown Playground fund for a new playground, including a performance stage and library, at the Payne said the school was "deeply touched and encouraged by William's and Kate's support".You can watch the London Marathon live on BBC One and iPlayer from 08:30 BST on Sunday and follow it live on the BBC News website.
Telegraph
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Southport fathers: Our girls will watch us run London Marathon
The fathers of two of the girls murdered in the Southport attack last summer have said their daughters will be with them in spirit as they run the London Marathon. David Stancombe and Sergio Aguiar will run the 26.2-mile route in the capital this weekend to raise money for projects in memory of the three girls killed at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in the town. Alice da Silva Aguiar, aged nine, Elsie Dot Stancombe, aged seven, and Bebe King, aged six, were stabbed to death in the attack on July 29 last year. Mr Aguiar, speaking to BBC Breakfast, said: 'When I'm training, I feel she is always with me. 'Sometimes I talk to her, tell her, you know, keep going mate, we're going to do this together, you will be with me, always. 'I tell her to keep going with me, that we're going to do this together, you're going to be with me – always. 'The thing I have in my mind is her, from start to finish.' David Stancombe added: 'Elsie would be so happy to see me cross the finishing line, especially for the London Marathon. 'She would just be so proud.' Mr Stancombe said he and his daughter watched the London Marathon on TV last year and she suggested he run the race himself in honour of her grandmother. 'A little bit of me was like, 'oh yeah, alright Els,'' Mr Stancombe said. 'I just never thought I would be running it for these reasons.' Some of the money raised will go towards a commemorative playground and other facilities at Churchtown Primary School, attended by Alice and Bebe. Running alongside Mr Aguiar will be Jinnie Payne, the headteacher of Churchtown Primary School. Mr Stancombe is also raising money for Elsie's Story, a charitable trust that provides grants to support young people in the Southport area. Bebe's parents, Lauren and Ben King, will both be at the marathon on Sunday to support the pair. 'It is just incredible what they are doing,' Mrs King said. 'And we want to be a part of it every step of the way. They were such wonderful, caring little children. 'And I reckon they are just up there watching over us and looking out for us.' Axel Rudakubana was jailed for a minimum of 52 years in January for the murders of the three girls and attempted murders of eight other children, class instructor Leanne Lucas and businessman John Hayes.
The Independent
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Grieving fathers of Southport attack victims to run London Marathon together
The memories of two young girls tragically lost will propel their fathers through the grueling 26.2 miles of the London Marathon this weekend. David Stancombe and Sergio Aguiar are running to honour the lives of their daughters, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, 9, who were among the three victims of the Southport stabbing attack last summer. The two fathers will be raising money for memorial projects dedicated to the three girls killed at a Taylor Swift -themed dance class in Southport on July 29th, 2024. Six-year-old Bebe King also lost her life in the attack. While the pain of their loss remains, Mr. Stancombe and Mr. Aguiar are determined to channel their grief into something positive, ensuring the memory of their daughters continues to inspire and bring hope. Mr Aguiar, speaking to BBC Breakfast, said: 'When I'm training, I feel she is always with me. 'Sometimes I talk to her, tell her, you know, keep going mate, we're going to do this together, you will be with me, always. 'I tell her to keep going with me, that we're going to do this together, you're going to be with me – always. 'The thing I have in my mind is her, from start to finish.' David Stancombe said: 'Elsie would be so happy to see me cross the finishing line, especially for the London Marathon. 'She would just be so proud.' Mr Stancombe said he and his daughter watched the London Marathon on TV last year and she suggested he run the race himself in honour of her grandmother. 'A little bit of me was like, 'oh yeah, alright Els,'' Mr Stancombe said. 'I just never thought I would be running it for these reasons.' Some of the money raised will go towards a commemorative playground and other facilities at Churchtown Primary School, attended by Alice and Bebe. Running alongside Mr Aguiar will be Jinnie Payne, the headteacher of Churchtown Primary School. Mr Stancombe is also raising money for Elsie's Story, a charitable trust that makes grants to assist young people and support others in the Southport area. To support the fundraiser, visit here. Bebe's parents, Lauren and Ben King, will both be at the marathon on Sunday to support the pair. 'It is just incredible what they are doing,' Mrs King said, 'And we want to be a part of it every step of the way. They were such wonderful, caring little children. 'And I reckon they are just up there watching over us and looking out for us.' Axel Rudakubana was jailed for a minimum of 52 years in January for the murders of the three girls and attempted murders of eight other children, class instructor Leanne Lucas and businessman John Hayes.
