New Southport Playground Opens Memorializing Attack Victims

A new playground at Churchtown Primary School in Southport has been unveiled as a lasting memorial to Alice da Silva Aguiar and Bebe King, two young victims of the July 2024 Southport attack that also claimed the life of Elsie Dot Stancombe. The playground, funded by over £370,000 raised through community donations and fundraising efforts including a London Marathon run by Alice's father and the school's headteacher, features diverse facilities such as a library, performance space, climbing area, bike track, hideout spaces, and artwork symbolizing friendship and hope. Designed to inspire creativity, resilience, and reflection, the playground includes murals and sculptures incorporating themes important to the children and the school community, with inscriptions honoring Alice and Bebe. Headteacher Jinnie Payne and families of the victims expressed that the space serves as a beautiful, active memorial that will provide a positive, engaging environment for current and future students while honoring the girls' memories. The project exceeded its initial goal, allowing surplus funds to be donated to charities. The playground was completed over the summer and opened to the children as they returned to school, eliciting strong emotional responses and excitement among students and families.