Southport victims to be celebrated in major 'beautiful, positive' tribute

The parents of two girls who died in theSouthport attack have said a playground in their memory will serve as a “beautiful, positive" commemoration.

Sergio and Alex Aguiar and Lauren and Ben King visited their daughter’s former primary school as work on the playground and library got underway. The project, at Churchtown Primary, will include a stage in memory of their daughters, Alice Aguiar, nine, and six-year-old Bebe King, who died in the July 29 attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class.

Mrs King said: “We've all made a choice - we want to continue our daughters' light and energy, always. They wouldn't want it any other way."

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She said the families had to “keep searching for those glimmers - the light in the dark”, adding: “When the pupils are here they will think of Alice and Bebe but it will be in a beautiful, positive memory. It won't be anything negative for them, which will help them to move forward.”

The playground is one of several projects that have been set up in remembrance of the girls, including Alice’s Wonderdance, Bebe’s Hive, and Elsie’s Story, set up in memory of seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe, who also died in the attack.

The library and stage in the playground are intended to celebrate Alice and Bebe’s shared love of books, creativity, and performing.

Mr Aguiar, who ran the London marathon to raise funds for the playground, said it “meant a lot” that there would be a lasting tribute at the school where they were pupils. He said: “They are always going to be a part of this school. I think it's going to look brilliant. The children are going to love the playground.”

Nearly £400,000 has already been raised for the project. Any surplus funds will be shared between local charities supporting Southport’s recovery in the wake of the attack.

Mr King said: “So much is going to happen here and it's going to be so exciting for the school and the friends of Bebe and Alice. It's just going to be fantastic and bring so much joy to them.”

Mrs Aguiar added: “A lot of generations are going to enjoy the playground here in the name of the girls. It's going to be very special. It's going to be a new start for everyone."

Both sets of parents said they had no doubt their daughters would approve of the playground. Mrs King said: “We said they would be fighting for the first base on the stage or they will end up doing a complicated dance routine together, showing their friends. They would just love it.”

Head teacher, Jinnie Payne, who also ran the London Marathon as part of the fundraising drive, said the start of the construction work marked a significant step in a journey that has united the school in grief, determination and hope.

She said: “This will be a place full of colour and laughter, where Alice’s and Bebe’s enthusiasm lives on and inspires others.”.

It is hoped the playground will be completed ahead of the start of the new school year in September.