By Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
The appeal to create a new playground for children at Churchtown Primary School in memory of the girls who were killed in the Southport tragedy last summer has now raised over £200,000.
It follows a TV appearance on BBC Breakfast today by headteacher Mrs Payne, teacher Mr Bowen and parent Sergio Aguiar.
You can donate here: Fundraiser by Churchtown Primary School : Churchtown Playground
Sergio’s daughter, Alice Dasilva Aguiar, a former pupil at Churchtown Primary with many friends at the school, was just nine years old when she was killed at The Hart Space on 29th last year.
Bebe King, aged six, was another former Churchtown Primary School pupil who was killed on that day.
A fundraising appeal is now taking place to build a beautiful new playground in their memory.
Jinnie Payne said: “Our playground project is a hope for the future, and a legacy for Alice and Bebe. It’s a way for the community to get involved and feel part of building something together”.
Jinne Payne and Sergio Aguiar are currently in training to run the London Marathon on 27th April.
They will be joined by Mrs Bowers, Mrs Coysh, Mrs Davies, Mrs Bowen, Mrs Finney and Mrs Partington who will all be running alongside staff from across the Endeavour Learning Trust in the Blackpool Marathon Festival on the same weekend as the London Marathon.
The idea for the new playground was proposed to the school by Alice’s parents, and the space will serve as a joyful, healing place for all pupils.
In a letter to parents, Jinnie Payne said: “It will be a place where children can do what children do best: play, explore and grow.
“We have already had widespread attention surrounding our mission and have been blown away by the support, both here in Southport and nationally.
“We are looking to raise £250,000 for the new playground, which will contain 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.
“I want to extend my personal thanks for all the support and funds that have been given so far.
“This is such a worthy cause, and incredibly close to all our hearts, but would be impossible without your help.”
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