Jenni Stancombe shared how Elsie’s Story is “making a difference to those who need it most” as she described her daughter, Elsie as “the most caring, joyful and generous little girl, full of love, energy, and kindness for everyone around her”.
Jenni spoke movingly at the first event Southport Charity Ball at Southport and Birkdale Sports Club, in an event which raised £13,863.57 for Elsie’s Story and Southport Soup Kitchen.
S&B and Southport Rugby Club have teamed up to raise as much in funds and awareness as they can for both charities throughout 2026.
Jenni and Dave Stancombe set up Elsie’s Story two years ago and are also working closely with Sergio and Alexandra Aguiar and Ben and Lauren King to lead the £10 million transformation of the Town Hall Gardens in Southport town centre into an exciting new family-friendly events space.
Jenni said: “Elsie’s Story, along with Alice’s WonderDance, and Bebe’s Hive, are showing them that love will always win.”
Speaking on stage at Southport Charity Ball, Jenni Stancombe told the audience: “I am Jen. I am the founder of Elsie’s Story but more importantly I am the proud Mum of Elsie.
“Our charity was created in memory of our daughter Elsie Dot Stancombe, who we lost in July 2024.
“Elsie was the most caring, joyful and generous little girl, full of love, energy, and kindness for everyone around her.
“After we lost her, we knew that what happened to Elsie would never define her. But what would define her was the love she gave, the warmth she radiated and the good she continues to inspire.
“Elsie was caring, thoughtful and full of empathy for others. And I know without questions what she would have wanted.
“She would have wanted to help other children. She would have wanted them to feel safe, happy and included.
“She would have wanted her story to mean something, to bring comfort, create opportunity, to make a difference to those who need it most.
“That will be Elsie’s Story.
“A story about kindness, love and positivity.
“That promise is how Elsie’s Story charitable trust began.
“A promise that her story would continue, And as her Mum and Dad, we have to do this for her.
“Our purpose is to support children and families who need it most, and to bring smiles, hope and togetherness into our community.
“We do this through three main areas – through grant giving, providing financial support to children and families whether that’s medical needs, essential resources and therapies, or experiences that bring comfort and joy.
“Through community projects working alongside schools, local groups, the council, or other existing charities to create opportunity for children to thrive.
“And through organising events and fundraising initiatives through challenges, fun days and bringing communities together through Elsie’s name to raise funds and show them that kindness will always speak stronger than fear.
“We are now starting to see the difference that Elsie;’s Story is making. We see children getting involved and wanting to help other children.
“They want to make a difference to their community.
“We have children in our town who are frightened. Who learn that bad things happen far younger than they ever should.
“Elsie’s Story, along with Alice’s WonderDance, and Bebe’s Hive, are showing them that love will always win.”
Southport & Birkdale Sports Club and Southport Rugby Club are doing all they can this year to support Elsie’s Story and Southport Soup Kitchen.
While their missions differ, both organisations share a common purpose — offering care, compassion, and practical support to children, families, and vulnerable individuals when they need it most.
Both S&B and Southport Rugby Club want to achieve meaningful local impact, directing support to vulnerable people through two good causes with a very strong community connection.
Elsie’s Story is a charitable trust established in memory of Elsie Dot Stancombe, a seven-year-old girl tragically killed in the Southport attack in July 2024. Founded by her family, the charity seeks to transform loss into positive change by continuing Elsie’s legacy of kindness, joy, and compassion.
The charity’s guiding mission is to “turn heartbreak into hope”.
Southport Soup Kitchen is a long-standing local charity, established around 2002, and has been supporting the community for over 20 years. It is run entirely by volunteers and has no paid staff.
The soup kitchen supports vulnerable individuals and families by providing: free hot meals and drinks, food parcels, plus essential items such as toiletries, hats and gloves.
● For more details about Elsie’s Story please visit: Elsie’s Story | Creating Smiles. Cherishing Memories. Spreading Hope.
● For more details about Southport Soup Kitchen please visit:Southport Soup Kitchen – A helping hand for those in need. Serving our community since 2002.
Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Do you need advertising, PR or media support? Please message Andrew Brown or email: [email protected]
