After a tragic event, a community unites to build a memorial playground for attack victims Alice, Elsie and Bebe.
Churchtown Primary School got almost £90,000 in just two days. Alice Aguiar’s parents started the fundraiser on Thursday, February 20.
Alice, Elsie, and Bebe died in an attack last July. The attack happened at a Taylor Swift-themed workshop. The attacker also hurt eight kids and two adults. Heidi Liddle, Alice’s teacher, saved a child by hiding the child in the bathroom. The attacker got a 52-year prison sentence.
Alice’s mom spoke about her daughter earlier this week. Now, Sergio, her husband, will run the London Marathon in April to collect more money for the playground. Sergio said he’s running for everyone affected by the tragedy.
Alice loved school and learning very much. She was proud of her perfect attendance record. The new playground will be a safe and fun space that will help other kids achieve their goals, too. Sergio thinks everyone will love the new playground.
The space will include a library and a performance area. Kids and the community will share joyful moments there. Sergio believes Alice would have loved this playground. Her energy and creativity will be celebrated daily. Other students can cherish her legacy. It is a beautiful gift to the community she loved.
The playground plans show a performance space, indoor and outdoor libraries where families can gather, a trim trail track, improvements to the early years’ playground, and a den-building area to inspire creativity.
Alice loved to dance. She started baby ballet at 16 months old and continued dancing for many years. At age four, Alice joined Southport Dance Academy, where Heidi Liddle became her ballet teacher.
Alice started street dance two years ago, stopping when Heidi went on leave, which Alice was not happy about. She still did ballet every Saturday. She danced street dance sometimes as well. Alice did cheerleading on Thursdays and joined the school choir on Tuesdays.
Alice spent weekends with her parents doing activities. They went to friends’ houses and out for meals. They were happy as a family of three, and didn’t need anything else.
The headteacher, Jinnie Payne, made a statement and is thankful for the public’s generosity. The school is close to raising £75,000, and they still have a lot to raise. They will keep working to support the playground. It will honor Alice and Bebe properly.
Every donation helps them reach their goal. Some people gave £5, and someone gave £3,000 anonymously. Additional funds will go to local charities that are helping those affected. People can track Jinnie and Sergio’s journey online.