Bebe’s Hive has praised the beautiful new playground which has been built at Marshside Primary School in Southport in memory of six-year-old Bebe King.
Bebe’s “colours, her joy, her memory” have been woven into a space “where laughter can grow again”.
Bebe’s parents, Ben and Lauren King, who founded the Bebe’s Hive charity, have visited the school to see the transformation.
The changes include the outdoor classroom which has been completely rebuilt by local builder Lee Bibby from his own pocket.
Volunteers from the Southport Hookers decorated the hanging baskets around the outdoor classroom in Bebe’s Hive colours.
Bebe’s Hive aims to offer a safe, creative place for children to explore grief in their own way.
Work is currently taking place to build the facility inside Cambridge Arcade in Southport town centre.
Bebe’s Hive said: “Some places become part of your story without even trying.
“Marshside Primary is one of those places. The girls joined the school in the March before we lost Bebe, and their love and care have held us ever since.
“From the then incredible head teacher Natasha Sandland – to the staff who look after Bebe’s sister so gently and to the parents and classmates who’ve never stopped showing up – you’ve carried us through the hardest days.
“The way this community has wrapped around us is something we’ll never forget – from the Inflatable 5k, where Bebe’s classmates, parents and staff raised over £3,100 for Bebe’s Hive, to the quiet, everyday acts of kindness that have helped us keep going.
“Before the summer holidays, Marshside created something truly special.
“The children’s playground was completely rebuilt – bright, colourful, and full of life – and the school honoured Bebe beautifully within it.
“Her colours, her joy, her memory woven into a space where laughter can grow again. It’s a place for children to play, dream and feel safe – just as she did.
“Over the summer, one of the school’s builders, Lee Bibby, rebuilt the outdoor classroom completely out of his own pocket.
“He remembered how much Bebe loved that space – the story chair, the laughter, the sunshine with friends, and he wanted to make it beautiful again.
“The roof is black and yellow, our Hive colours, bright and full of warmth for every child who plays beneath it. It’s such a special tribute.
“A special thank-you also to the wonderful Southport Hookers, who decorated the hanging baskets around the outdoor classroom in our Hive colours. The little touches you’ve added bring so much warmth and love to the space.
“I’ve wanted to share this for such a long time, but every time I tried, I couldn’t find the words — or hold back the tears.
“Plus, they deserve something special.
“We are endlessly grateful for everything Marshside has done for us. You are, and always will be, part of our family.”
The initiative is born from loss, rooted in love and guided by Bebe.
- To support the work of Bebe’s Hive please visit: Home | Child Grief Support | Bebe’s Hive CIC
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