The family of seven year old Elsie Dot Stancombe say their beloved daughter enjoyed life with “determination, persistence, love and kindness” as her funeral takes place today (Friday, 23rd August 2024).
Members of the community are invited to take part in ‘Elsie’s Special Day’ as it takes place in Southport.
Elsie with mum Jenni, dad David and younger sister Rosie, aged three have released a family statement which says: “Elsie embraced life and it is with positivity, hope and love that we celebrate her life today, 23rd August, on ‘Elsie’s Special Day’.
“Elsie spent every day just simply enjoying life with determination, persistence, love and kindness.
“Elsie was an amazing little girl. She had the ability to light up any room that she entered, she was truly unforgettable.
“She loved to dance, and it goes without saying she was a devoted ‘Swiftie’, she was always up for anything and gave every activity a go, we went to them all. She found her real passion in cheerleading, her weekly classes couldn’t come around quick enough.
“Her persistence was admirable, from completing a 3k run and 10k charity walk for her local hospice, as well as moving up books bands in school, everything she did she gave 100% and would never give up.
“Our family affirmation is ‘as long as you try your best, enjoy yourself and have fun, nothing else matters’.
“‘We are the four best friends in the whole wide world’ – and that mantra will remain with us for the rest of our lives, sound in the knowledge that Elsie is here with us and forever will be in our hearts.
“Elsie has brought light, love and joy to so many lives and it has been clear to us in the overwhelming response from everybody that knew her and everybody within the community.
“We will always be grateful for the love and support we have had over these past weeks and we are and will continue to be proud to live in Southport.
“To that end, Elsie’s legacy will continue and as a family we will ensure that her impact and legacy endures with positivity and hope and with Elsie by our side forever and always.”
Elsie’s Special Day is taking place today (Friday, 23rd August 2024) with a celebration of her life at St John’s Church in Birkdale.
She was a much-loved pupil at Farnborough Road Infant School in Birkdale.
Funerals have already taken place for Bebe King, aged six, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, aged nine.
The three girls were all killed as they attended a Taylor Swift themed dance and yoga class at the Hart Space in Southport on 29th July 2024. Several other girls and adults were badly injured and others left traumatised.
F.J.Gibb Funeral Directors in Southport said: “Elsie’s Special Day is taking place this Friday, 23rd August 2024 with a celebration of her life at 10am in St John’s Church, Birkdale PR8 4JP.
“Elsie grew up and was raised by her family in Birkdale, Southport. She first lived in St John’s Road, and moved to Arundel Road in 2020, where she welcomed her little sister Rosie. Elsie attended Farnborough Road School.
“Elsie’s Mum and Dad, and her family, are encouraging friends and all the local community to give her the best possible celebration on Friday – ‘Elsie’s Special Day’.
“St John’s Church does have restricted capacity, as most of the church will be reserved for those who knew Elsie best. So to help more to attend, the service will be screened live at Liverpool Road Methodist Church, Birkdale PR8 4PD, and also screened live from St John’s Church Hall, and outside St John’s Church through speakers. The family very much encourage those who are unable to attend the service in person to pay their respects at one of these alternative locations.
“There will be a procession through Birkdale and Hillside, with Elsie travelling home via Liverpool Road from Birkdale village at 8.45 and passing Farnborough Road at approximately 9.00 on the way to Waterloo Road. Elsie’s family encourage all parents and school friends that wish to pay their respects to please do so at Farnborough School only, and then kindly attend Liverpool Road Methodist Church to participate in the service.
“From 9.30, Elsie’s family will be walking with her to St John’s Church along Arundel Road, Dunbar Road, Sandon Road, Cardigan Road, and St John’s Road. The family request those wishing to pay their respects along the route start off at Dunbar Road, or gather near St John’s Church and not at Elsie’s home on Arundel Road.
“The Police will be assisting us to ensure this is done as safely as possible. Reverend Jennie Hardy from St John’s, and parish helpers, are distributing leaflets to residents along the route to ensure any disruption is kept to a minimum and help neighbours to pay their respects. It will be very helpful if attendees can park away from the roads named above whenever possible.
“Following St John’s Church, at about 11.30 Elsie and her close family will be travelling along Waterloo Road, Lulworth Road and Lord Street, to pass the Vigil at the Atkinson, with a tribute from the Royal Mail staff as part of the cortège prior to departing for a private service in Burscough.
“Family flowers only please, with all donations to St John’s Church or the Snowdrop Team, Alder Hey. Please call Rolf or Jodi at F. J. Gibb for any further information on 01704 551666”
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