Sarah Campbell and George Sandeman report for BBC News on a heart-wrenching story about the parents of Alice da Silva Aguiar, a young girl tragically killed at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport the previous year. The devastated parents fondly remember their daughter as being “born to be a star,” highlighting her passion for the performing arts and schooling. Alice, only nine years old at the time of her passing, had been dancing since she was just 16 months old. In honor of her memory, her parents are now raising funds for a new playground that will feature a stage, a component that would have been her favorite.
During their first interview with BBC Breakfast, Alice’s mother, Alex, revealed that the proposed stage would hold a special place in their hearts. Her father, Sergio, announced his plan to run the London Marathon to gather donations for the playground, which is intended to be built at Churchtown Primary School, where Alice was a student. The school was a place that brought Alice immense joy, and it was where she spent the majority of her time, engaging in activities like reading and socializing with her peers.
The sorrowful journey of the grieving parents continues as they revisit the Southport school for the first time since their daughter’s tragic demise. The loss of Alice, along with two other young victims—Elsie Dot Stancombe and Bebe King—due to an attack by Axel Rudakubana, who was recently sentenced to a minimum of 52 years in prison, remains a profound source of anguish and memories. Despite the pain, Sergio and Alex are committed to honoring Alice’s legacy by creating a vibrant playground where children can thrive and flourish.
At the heart of the playground project is the stage, a focal point that would serve as a tribute to Alice’s exuberant spirit and love for performance. Schoolteacher Alan Bowen affectionately remembers Alice as a bright, energetic student who possessed a contagious smile and a passion for the arts. The plans for the playground include various features like a memorial dedicated to Alice and Bebe, a testament to the enduring impact these young souls left on the school community. The resilience and collective spirit shown by the school and wider community in supporting the project symbolize a beacon of hope and unity in the face of tragedy
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