A special playground dedicated to the memory of two young girls tragically killed in the Southport attack has been revealed to their classmates at Churchtown Primary School. Alice da Silva Aguiar, aged nine, and Bebe King, aged six, were both students at the school. The playground features heart-shaped plaques bearing their names, serving as a tribute to the joyful moments they shared before their lives were cut short in a devastating knife attack that also claimed the life of Elsie Dot Stancombe, aged seven.
The initiative for the memorial playground was spearheaded by Alice’s parents, with her father, Sergio Aguiar, completing the London Marathon to raise funds in collaboration with school staff. Surpassing their fundraising goal of £250,000, they collected over £370,000, enabling them to donate the excess funds to various charities.
Upon returning for the new school year, the students were greeted with the sight of the newly constructed playground. The playground features an inscription that reads “In memory of Alice and Bebe, forever in our hearts,” along with another plaque stating “Rooted in kindness, growing through hope.” In addition to a football pitch, climbing frames, and various play equipment, the area includes a stage equipped with sound and lighting systems to honor the girls’ love for performance. A cycle track has been incorporated into the playground, where Bebe initially learned to ride a bike.
Jinnie Payne, the school’s headteacher, expressed her joy at the completion of the playground project, emphasizing that it will stand as a lasting legacy for Alice and Bebe, bringing joy to generations of children. The community’s overwhelming support and contributions were acknowledged as instrumental in making the playground a reality.
In addition to the playground, the investment led to the establishment of a new library and the creation of murals on the playground walls, crafted by local artist Tony Wynne. The artworks include imagery of bees, butterflies, and flowers, as well as handprints of all the pupils in Alice’s class forming petals of a flower, symbolizing unity and remembrance.
Jack Snowdon, the director of estates and operations for the Endeavour Learning Trust overseeing the school, described the entire space as a living tribute, providing a serene environment for reflection and remembrance. Anticipating the children’s reactions, he predicted a mix of astonishment, delight, and eagerness to explore the revitalized space.
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