A father runs the London Marathon to fund a playground in memory of his daughter Alice, creating a lasting legacy.
Sergio Aguiar is running the marathon on April 27th. He hopes to fund the playground for Alice and Bebe’s school, Churchtown Primary School. Alice’s mom, Alex, saw the playground plans and said Alice was “born to be a star.”
The playground will have a stage, which Alex said would be Alice’s favorite part. Sergio said Alice loved school and reading. The playground will include an outdoor library, a trim trail, and a den area.
Alex said the school was Alice’s happy place and that “She loved it.” It is important to Alex to make this happen because she believes Alice would be proud. Sergio said Alice always smiled, “No matter what happened.”
Alan Bowen was Alice’s favorite teacher and agreed about her beaming smile. Having taught Alice in Year 3, he said it’s nice to be someone’s favorite. He has taught for over twenty years and said they simply understood each other.
Alan said Alice would have loved the stage and be there every playtime, involving everyone else. He explained they would be dancing, singing, and acting, with her directing everything. Alice’s friends also loved the arts.
Alex and Sergio moved to Southport in 2010 because Sergio’s brother lived there. Alice went to Churchtown Primary. Alex said her class was her family, which was extra special since she was an only child.
Alex also mentioned Alice started ballet very young, at sixteen months old. At four, she started at Southport Dance Academy, where Heidi Liddle became her ballet teacher. Alice did street dance but stopped when Heidi left, which made Alice unhappy. She also did cheerleading and choir.
Rudakubana was jailed for life last month and must serve at least 52 years. Sergio yelled “coward” at him in court, where he claimed to be ill and needed a doctor. He had been creating a disturbance in the dock.
Alex thanked Southport for supporting them, adding that “We feel at home” because people have been very kind. The couple wants the playground for Alice and Bebe, as it will be a lasting legacy. Alex said Alice was happiness and kindness.
The playground will have a memorial to Alice and Bebe. Some students shared their reactions when shown the plans. One student liked the memorial post about Alice, as well as the planned quiet corner.
Sergio is training for the marathon with Alex. The school’s head teacher, Jinnie Payne, will run too. A personal trainer is helping them, whose daughter walked to school with Alice. Parents and staff will also run, hoping to raise £250,000.
Ms. Payne said the playground will celebrate the victims’ lives. “It’s joy and fun,” she said, adding that “It’s our forward motion.” She likes how the community builds this together, creating positivity, she said.
Volunteers replanted the flowerbeds at the entrance, using flowers and plants left after Alice’s death. Alan Bowen praised Alice’s smile, and his comments highlighted the impact Alice had.