The first ever Southport Charity Ball has raised an impressive £13,863.57 for Elsie’s Story and Southport Soup Kitchen.
Dave and Jenni Stancombe from Elsie’s Story and Marie Buchanan from Southport Soup Kitchen were at Southport and Birkdale Sports Club (S&B) as they spoke movingly about the moving reasons that drive their charities and the huge impact they have on our community.
Special guests include Sergio and Alexandra Aguiar, just days after David and Sergio had completed the 2026 London Marathon together.
The Southport Charity Ball was organised by Andrew and Celine Carney and a team of organisers from S&B and Southport Rugby Club.
Two of the town’s major sports clubs have teamed up this year for a year of fundraising and awareness for Elsie’s Story and Southport Soup Kitchen with more planned throughout 2026 – keep an eye on their social media pages and on Stand Up For Southport for more details.
Andrew Carney said: “The original target from the Southport Charity Ball was to donate £1,750 to each charity so this is a brilliant result.
“It was a wonderful evening full of emotion, laughter, tears and joy.
“Our night saw two fabulous local charities and two fantastic clubs coming together to raise awareness and much needed funds.
“I am very proud of our team for working so hard to ensure a successful evening.”
More events coming up include the Southport Colour Run on 6th June; the Inter Club Cricket match on 31st August; the September Harvest Festival; along with member fundraising events such as marathons, coast to coast bike rides and more.
Guests at Southport Charity Ball sat down inside an impressive marquee installed by Elite Events Group, with stage, sound and lighting by Moonlight Events, ‘Prosecco on the patio’, and a delicious three course meal prepared by D’Vine Catering.
Entertainment was provided by singer Dave Broe and DJ Baz Todd of Baz Todd Events.
Local businesses generously donated prizes for an auction, a silent auction and a raffle, including a beautiful pair of diamond ear-rings donated by David Search Jewellers and valued at £2,500, with proceedings excellently hosted by Bill Woolland.
Two amazing women stood up to represent their charities on a truly emotional evening – Jenni Stancombe from Elsie’s Story and Marie Buchanan from Southport Soup Kitchen.
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.”
Jenni Stancombe also spoke powerfully about the work being done by Southport Soup Kitchen.
She said: “Southport Soup Kitchen is, I believe, a true hidden gem in our community.
“Today they provide over 7,000 meals each year to people in our community.
“Buit it’s so much more than just hot meals. They provide toiletries, warm clothing, a listening ear, and just as importantly, they offer kindness, dignity and a sense of belonging.
“Marie and her team work tirelessly to support people.”
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.
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