Sergio Aguiar, the father of a girl tragically killed at a dance class in Southport last year, is overwhelmed by the kindness and support of his local community as he gears up to participate in a fundraising marathon. He aims to garner funds to construct a new playground equipped with a performance stage and library at Churchtown Primary School, where his daughter Alice was a student. In an interview with BBC Breakfast, Sergio expressed his belief that the playground project will bring joy to thousands of children in the coming years.
Describing the school as a second home for Alice, Sergio highlighted his daughter’s perfect attendance record, never missing a day of school the previous year. The playground, in addition to honoring Alice, will also be dedicated to Bebe King, another victim of the same attack, who was six years old and formerly attended the school. Following the sentencing of Axel Rudakubana to a minimum of 52 years in prison for the murders, Sergio emphasized how proud Alice would have been of the playground’s creation, expressing his wish that she could have experienced its delights.
With the London Marathon drawing near, Sergio is actively preparing for the event, including incorporating ice baths into his routine to enhance his training regime. Joining him on the run will be Jinnie Payne, the headteacher of Churchtown Primary School, who is optimistic about meeting the fundraising goal of £250,000 to complete the playground by September. Alan Bowen, Alice’s favorite teacher, envisioned her joy at playing on the new stage with other children, emphasizing her love for performing and her vibrant personality. While Alan won’t be participating in the marathon due to knee issues, he will be supporting the cause alongside other parents and school staff at the Blackpool festival of running.
The community’s generosity has been substantial, with over half of the fundraising target reached through various donations, ranging from a few pounds to a significant contribution of £10,000 from an anonymous donor. Messages of encouragement from footballers Diogo Jota and Beto, hailing from Liverpool and Everton respectively, have provided a boost to Sergio’s spirits as he inches closer to the marathon. Grateful for the outpouring of support, Sergio looks forward to the event, cherishing the kind words and motivation from well-wishers and embracing the unity and camaraderie that the playground project symbolizes
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