Senior figures from Sefton civil engineering firm Dowhigh were honoured to meet King Charles III when he paid a special visit to Southport on Tuesday (20th August 2024).
The monarch cut short his holiday to Balmoral to head to the town to meet children who were injured in the horrific knife attack at the Hart Space in July which left three young girls dead and several children and adults badly injured.
The attack was followed by a riot which left several homes, cars, local businesses and Southport’s mosque damaged by a night of violence.
Following the unrest, a large team from Dowhigh were on the ransacked residential streets from 3am onwards quickly clearing away the damage and carrying out repairs.
Dowhigh is a Sefton business, based on Park Lane West in Bootle, which has been keen to play its part in supporting the local community through these traumatic times.
Dowhigh was recently commended for its work following the riot on the 10 Downing Street website.
Trevor Murray, Brian Morrey and Steve Petche from Dowhigh were honoured to be invited to meet King Charles III during the royal visit.
A Dowhigh spokesperson said: “On Tuesday, Southport witnessed a significant moment as King Charles III visited to offer support and comfort to a community deeply affected by recent tragic events.
“His Majesty began his visit at Southport Town Hall, where he paid his respects to the victims of the July 29th knife attack, observing the sea of floral tributes left by mourning residents.
“The King took a moment to privately meet with the families of the victims, offering his heartfelt condolences and signing the book of condolence, a poignant reminder of the loss and grief that has enveloped the town.
“Later, King Charles visited the Southport Community Fire Station, where he met with the brave members of the emergency services who have been on the frontlines, responding not only to the immediate tragedy but also to the subsequent riots.
“Among those he met were our very own Dowhigh Directors Trevor Murray and Brian Morrey, as well as Surfacing Manager Steve Petche.
“The visit concluded with King Charles speaking with local leaders and community groups, emphasising the importance of standing together and supporting one another in the face of adversity. His presence has provided a much-needed sense of solace and strength as Southport continues to heal.”
A statement from Buckingham Palace said: “This Majesty The King travelled to Southport to express his continued support for those affected by the 29th July attack and the riot which followed in the town, and to thank frontline emergency staff for their ongoing work serving local people.”
Since the tragedy, over £170,000 has since been raised through The Community Foundation for Merseyside to support families left devastated by the tragedy.
The Community Foundation for Merseyside, in partnership with Sefton Council and Sefton CVS, acted within 24 hours to activate an urgent fundraising appeal for all those affected by the knife attack in Southport.
People are able to donate to the Southport Strong Together appeal via the Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/southport-strong-together
Or you can text SOUTHPORT followed by your donation amount to 70085 to give that amount
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