An appeal to raise funds towards creating a new playground at Churchtown Primary School in Southport in memory of the young girls who died in the Southport tragedy last summer has now passed the £100,000 mark.
The campaign was launched last Thursday (20th February 2025).
Donations made by generous members of the public went above £100,000 on the same day that BBC1 screened a harrowing BBC1 documentary about the tragedy.
The new playground was suggested by Alice’s parents as a way of honouring former Churchtown pupils Alice da Silva Aguiar and Bebe King, who were killed at The Hart Space on 29th July last year along with Elsie Dot Stancombe.
The new playground will serve as a joyful and healing place for Churchtown’s pupils.
You can donate here with the appeal aiming to raise the £250,000 needed.
Churchtown Primary School Headteacher Jinnie Payne announced she will run the London Marathon in memory of the girls.
Jinnie will be joined by Alice’s father, Sergio Aguiar, as well as colleagues and parents from across the wider Endeavour Learning Trust, which Churchtown is a part of.
Runners will either be taking part in the London Marathon, or the Blackpool Festival of Running, which is also in April.
Designs for the new playground include a dedicated performance space, a new indoor and outdoor library where pupils and their families can come together, and a trim trail track.
Plans also feature enhancements to the early years’ playground, including a den-building area to inspire creativity and adventure.
Alice’s father, Sergio Aguiar, said:
“I’m running not just for Alice, but also everyone who was affected by last year’s tragedy.
“Alice was always so keen on school and learning, and she was very proud of her 100% attendance. The new playground will provide a safe and fun space to help others achieve this too. Who wouldn’t want to come to school with such a great playground?
“The new space also has a library and performance space which is bound to bring joy and memorable moments to the pupils and whole community of Churchtown.
“This playground is exactly the sort of place which Alice would have loved. Her boundless energy, enthusiasm and creativity will be celebrated in the new playground by other pupils every day. And that’s a beautiful and befitting legacy to the community she loved so dearly.”
Any additional funds raised will be donated to local charities who are helping those affected by this tragedy.
Donations can be made here. Jinnie and Sergio’s journey can be tracked online at #ChurchtownPlayground, and businesses and people are encouraged to contribute what they can and use the hashtag to join in fundraising.
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