Alex Aguiar shares cherished memories of Alice after the tragic Southport attack that claimed her daughter’s life.
Alice’s mom spoke after the Southport attack. Alice, Elsie, and Bebe died last July. The kids were at a Taylor Swift workshop.
Almost seven months passed since that day. Alex shared memories of Alice with the ECHO. Alice loved dancing since she was 16 months old. Alex remembered times with her friend Sarah.
Sarah’s daughter, Briar, was Alice’s best friend. They went to Churchtown Primary School together. Alex said Alice danced since she was tiny. When Alice turned four, she went to dance academy.
Heidi Liddle taught ballet. Alice started street dance at the same place. She stopped when Heidi went on leave. Alice was not happy.
Alice continued ballet on Saturdays. She loved street dance on other days. Every Tuesday, she sang in the school choir. Thursdays were for cheerleading at the YMCA. Alice spent free time with her parents, Alex and Sergio.
Weekends meant time together as a family. They visited friends and ate out. The three were happy together always.
Heidi and Leanne were supervising the class. Axel Rudakubana attacked at Hart Space last July. Heidi protected a child in the toilet. Leanne tried to protect children and got hurt. John Hayes heard screams nearby and ran to help.
Eight children suffered injuries in the attack. Alice, Elsie, and Bebe did not survive this. Rudakubana got sentenced to 52 years in prison.
Now, Alex focuses on building a legacy for Alice. She will share memorial projects soon. Sarah helps Alex with free fitness sessions. Sarah’s gym PWR BOX supports Alex.
Sarah and Alex smiled as they shared memories. Alice would have been 10 last October. Sarah remembers Alice’s smile. She recalls Alice’s funny stories at school. Alex added that Alice and Briar video called. They planned matching clothes before school dances together.
Laughter filled the room while they remembered Alice. Alex and Sarah rely on each other now. They meet weekly for support and fitness. The girls often wore matching costumes. One year they were both Wednesday Addams.
Alex and Sergio moved to Southport in 2010. Sergio had a brother living in the area. They settled in Marshside where they raised Alice. Alex said Alice saw her class as family. She was an only child.
Alex considers Southport her home now. Moving back to her native Portugal is not needed. She said everyone has been very kind. People offered support even when they are strangers. Alex feels at home.
Sarah is a mom to Briar and Amora. She will box in Alice’s name on February 22. Sarah created a fundraising page for the family. She hopes to raise more. Sarah met Alice in 2018.
Sarah remembers happy times walking home. Alice chatted about her activities and events.