By Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
A determined Southport mum is running through the pain barrier to run the London Marathon this weekend, inspired by a bid to create a new playground in memory of the girls who were killed in the Southport tragedy.
Fleur Culshaw will run the UK’s most famous 26.2 mile course this Sunday (27th April 2025) to support the appeal to create a new playground at Churchtown Primary School in memory of young girls Alice Dasilva Aguiar and Bebe King who were tragically killed last summer.
She’s inviting people to support her fundraiser: Fundraiser by stacey porter : Alices Parents & Churchtown Playground
The 54-year-old will be running through the pain barrier to do it, after a recent injury scare saw her spend time with her leg in a protective boot.
Fleur said: “I am running the London Marathon for the second time this year and with Alice’s parents kind blessing, I have chosen to raise as much as I can to help Alex and Sergio, achieve their inspiring goal of building a new playground at Alice’s school, Churchtown Primary, to honour and remember Alice and also Bebe.
“The tragic events of last summer in Southport have deeply affected even those of us who did not know these beautiful girls and their families.
“This tragedy has touched my heart and made me want to help in any way I can. I would love to support Alice’s parents by running for them this year.
“Last year, I raised over £2000 for a charity very close to my family’s heart, ‘Breast Cancer Now.’
“This year, I hope to contribute even a small amount towards Alex and Sergio’s playground fund.
“All donations will be sent to Alex and Sergio to support them and their goal.
“Please support me with whatever you can manage to donate for this very worthy cause, with huge thanks.
“I also hear that Alice’s dad Sergio will be running the London Marathon, and I will be proud to be running alongside him, along with others, for Alice.”
Fleur’s daughter, Stacey Porter, said: “This year my mum is running the London Marathon for the SECOND time… she’s a crazy lady! I am so proud of her.
“Last year she raised over £2,000 for Breast Cancer Now and this year, with Alice’s parents’ blessing, will be running for both them, Alice and their Churchtown playground goal to remember and honour her.
“Please donate and support her if you can.
“Mum will be running through the pain barrier to do the run.
“A couple of weeks ago she ran the Liverpool Half Marathon, but was suffering from a lot of ankle pain afterwards.
“A doctor she knows took a look for her – he’s the head physio for the England Rugby team – and was concerned. He thought she may have had a stress fracture, which would have meant she would have had to have pulled out of the London Marathon.
“Mum was in a protective boot and then went into hospital for an MRI scan, which showed swelling on the bone and a ligament strain.
“She is in pain but will get her painkillers ready and is determined to complete the run for this amazing fundraising cause.
“She may have to take the run a little easier than usual! Last year she completed the Marathon in over three hours, but may have to settle for a slower time this weekend.
“But she is determined to run.”
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