The three mums who lost children in the Southport tragedy last summer are truly inspirational through their “quiet determination to make something good” as they navigate life after loss.
In the past 10 months, Jen Stancombe, Lauren King and Alexandra Aguiar have worked hard to “create something that matters”.
They have all shown incredible courage, selflessness and determination to make life better for others through their immense fundraising and community work.
They have enjoyed huge support from local people and local businesses, as well from supporters and organisations from across the UK.
As a town, we need to help them to keep that momentum going.
Jen Stancombe, along with husband, Dave, have worked non stop to raise funds and support local children through their Elsie’s Story charity; Alexandra Aguiar, and husband Sergio, have been part of the successful campaign to raise £250,000 to build a new playground for children at Churchtown primary School (the appeal is now at £370,000); while Lauren King, with husband Ben, have now now launched their Bebe’s Hive charity.
It comes with the announcement of their first big event – the Southport Summer Soiree, which will take place at Meols Hall in Churchtown on Saturday 24th August 2025. Tickets will go on sale soon.
Jen and Lauren are working together on the event and would love as much support as possible.
Bebe’s Hive said: “Bebe’s Hive began with a conversation between two grieving mums.
“Both navigating the painful reality of life after child loss, while still showing up for their surviving daughters.
“In those early conversations, they spoke honestly about the silence, the gaps, and the need for spaces where grief could be held gently and openly, especially for children.
“Jen, having seen the huge impact and success of Elsie’s Story within the community, wanted to create something truly special that could reach even further.
”For Lauren, it felt like everything she’d done before had led to this moment. With her background and the right people beside her, she knew she could build something that mattered.
“There sparked a quiet but powerful idea: what if there was a safe, creative space here for children to process grief — a place that felt gentle, inclusive and child-led?
“Bebe and Elsie both left behind sisters, and the two mothers’ mission is grounded in love for them, and for families like theirs navigating life after loss.
“Now, Lauren leads Bebe’s Hive and Jen supports through Elsie’s Story. Their friendship remains at the heart of everything.
“They are also still closely connected to Alex, Alice’s mum who is another part of this small circle of mums who continue to hold each other up.
“This is how it began. With love, and a quiet determination to make something good.”
About Bebe’s Hive
Bebe’s Hive, in memory of Bebe and hosted by the Elsie’s Story Charitable Trust, is a safe space where little hearts heal after loss through creativity and care. Your donation funds training, resources, and sessions, turning love and loss into hope.
Bebe’s Hive said: “Bebe’s Hive is a grief-informed, creative support project for children and families — built in memory of our beautiful six-year-old Bebe.
“After losing her, we saw how deeply grief affects children. We also saw what was missing: a safe, child-led space for healing. So we began building one. Rooted in love, creativity, and connection.
“Bebe’s Hive offers free sessions using art, music, play, and storytelling to help children explore grief safely and gently.
“Led by a team of educators, creatives, and wellbeing practitioners – all who knew and loved Bebe. It’s a space full of care and hope.”
- For more details about how you can support Bebe’s Hive visit: Bebe’s Hive 💛 – JustGiving
- Please follow Bebe’s Hive on Instagram
About Elsie’s Story
When they launched the Elsie’s Story charity, they said: “We want to continue Elsie’s ‘story’; her positivity, love for others and energy of life…..
“The Trust has been established with the principle objective being to make grants to causes in Elsie’s name, the focus of which will be assistance to young people and support for others in the community and across the region.
“This will include community projects, medical care and support for individuals and families, good causes involving fun, and bringing the community together.
“Elsie was the most caring and generous little girl and we have promised to not let this awful tragedy be in vain and creating this trust is the start of this.”
● For more details about how you can support Elsie’s Story visit: www.justgiving.com/elsiesstory
● Please follow the elsiedotstory page on Instagram
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