By Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
The parents of Bebe King, Lauren and Ben King, have issued a moving tribute to their daughter.
Ben and Lauren King said: “Our hearts are broken, but we find some comfort in knowing that Bebe was so deeply loved by all who knew her. She will forever be our shimmering star, and we will carry her with us in everything we do.”
Six-year-old Bebe, a pupilar at Marshside Primary School in Southport, was among three girls killed during a knife attack at a Taylor Swift themed yoga and dance class at the Hart Space in Southport on 29th July 2024.
The other two girls who died that day were Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven; and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine. Several other girls and adults were injured.
Southport Hesketh Round Table has launched a fundraising appeal to support families impacted by the tragedy: https://gofund.me/9e7a67c2.
Ben and Lauren King, also parents to nine-year-old daughter, Genie, said:
“On Monday, the 29th of July, our world was shattered by the loss of our precious daughter, Bebe. Along with two other beautiful souls, Elsie and Alice, she was taken from us in an unimaginable act of violence that has left our hearts broken beyond repair. Our beloved Bebe, only six years old, was full of joy, light, and love, and she will always remain in our hearts as the sweet, kind, and spirited girl we adore.
“The outpouring of love and support from our community and beyond has been a source of incredible comfort during this unimaginably difficult time. From the pink lights illuminating Sefton and Liverpool, to the pink bows, flowers, balloons, cards, and candles left in her memory, we have been overwhelmed by the kindness and compassion shown to our family. The response from Southport, the whole of Liverpool, and even further afield has deeply touched our hearts, and we are so grateful to everyone who has reached out to us.
“We want to acknowledge our older daughter, Genie, who witnessed the attack and managed to escape. She has shown such incredible strength and courage, and we are so proud of her. Her resilience is a testament to the love and bond she shared with her little sister, and we will continue to support her as we navigate this painful journey together as a family.
“Our thoughts are also with everyone else involved in this tragedy and all those who were injured. We hope that they find strength and healing in the days ahead. To the children who witnessed this terrible event, we send our love and hope that they too can begin to heal, surrounded by the care and support of those who love them.
“To the emergency services, who acted with such care and professionalism on that terrible day: thank you. Your support has continued as you have looked after our family with compassion and dedication, and we will forever be grateful for the way you have helped us through this harrowing time.
“To our community, friends, and strangers who have shown us such love: thank you. Your messages, your tributes, and your presence have meant the world to us and have helped us find some solace in our grief. We are also thinking of Elsie and Alice’s families, who are sharing in this unimaginable loss, and we hold them close in our hearts.
“Our hearts are broken, but we find some comfort in knowing that Bebe was so deeply loved by all who knew her. She will forever be our shimmering star, and we will carry her with us in everything we do.
“With love and gratitude,
“Lauren, Ben, and Genie.”
In a previous statement, Natasha Sandland, Head Teacher of Marshside Primary School in Southport, said: “Words cannot do justice to describe the grief and upset our Marshside community are feeling.
“We are deeply saddened by the awful news that we have lost one of our brightest and most wonderful shining stars in Bebe.
“Right now our focus is on supporting Bebe’s family and her friends, our staff and our community who have been left numb by this tragic incident.
“We send our love to all those who have been affected by what happened and we would like to reiterate calls to protect the privacy of all families involved at this difficult time.
“As a school community we will be grieving together as we stand with others in Southport. Rest in Peace Bebe.”
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