Southport attack victim's dad finishes London Marathon in incredible tribute to daughter

Sergio Aguiar was overcome with emotions as he crossed the finish line on Sunday, having run to pay tribute to his late daughter, one of the victims of the attack. In July 2024, Alice Aguiar was one of three children to lose their lives after a knifeman attacked children at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class.

Alice was just nine years old and died from her injuries in hospital a day after the attack, while eight other girls and two adults were also injured. Sergio joined David Stancombe, the father of seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe, also killed along with Bebe King, six, in entering the race to raise money for projects set up in their daughters' memory. BBC cameras captured the former looking emotional as he completed his race and fell to the ground in exhaustion.

Jinne Payne, the headteacher of Churchtown Primary School, where Alice and Bebe were students, also entered the London Marathon.

She revealed that the Prince and Princess of Wales had donated to the Churchtown Playground fund, set up to raise money for a new playground, performance stage and library.

Ahead of the event, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer sent both Sergio and David a video message to show support.

"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," Sir Kier said in the message shown to the 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."

Before running his race, Sergio said it was "good" to hear from the PM, thanking him for the words of encouragement.

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."

As Sergio and David attempted to complete the 26.2-mile route across the capital, Bebe's parents, Lauren and Ben King, attended to show support.

David is raising money for Elsie's Story, a charitable trust launched to assist young people and support the wider Southport community.

Jenni Stancombe, David's wife and Elsie's mother, has revealed that Prince William and Catherine also donated to their cause and sent the family a "special message" before the race.