Two dads whose daughters were killed at a dance class in Southport last year have told the BBC how their children will be with them in spirit as they run the London Marathon. David Stancombe and Sergio Aguiar are raising money for projects established in their daughters' memory.Alice Aguiar, 9, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Bebe King, 6, died last Julywhile they attended a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop. Mr Aguiar tells BBC Breakfast he talks to Alice when he's running alone. "I tell her to keep going with me, that we're going to do this together, you're going to be with me - always." Mr Stancombe says his daughter would be very proud of his efforts. The pair had watched coverage of the marathon on TV last year and she told him he should run the race in honour of her grandmother. "A little bit of me was like, 'oh yeah, alright Els,'" says Mr Stancombe. "I just never thought I would be running it for these reasons." Bebe's parents, Lauren and Ben King, will both be at the marathon to support the pair, on Sunday. "It is just incredible what they are both doing," says Mrs King. "And we want to be a part of it every step of the way." Mrs King says it is important to the couple that they are at the roadside as they want to represent their daughter while David and Sergio, who are running in honour of their girls, are cheered towards the finish line. "They were such wonderful, caring little children," she says. "Even though none of them knew each other, they were all so similar. And I reckon they are just up there watching over us and looking out for us." Mr Stancombe is raising money for Elsie's Story,a charitable trust that makes grants to assist young peopleand support others in the Southport area. "I keep saying Elsie and those other girls will live longer than us," says her mum, Jenni Stancombe. "Elsie's Story and the work that we're doing in the community will continue [her legacy]." She says the grants are for "causes that will bring joy, happiness and support to children... Elsie wouldn't want it any other way". Mrs Stancombe says she chokes up at the thought of David crossing the finish line and imagining what their daughter's reaction would have been. "She'd be shouting from the line, you'd hear her above everybody else," she tells us. "She'd take his medal off him straight away." Mr Stancombe says around 40 friends and family will be in London to cheer him on, all wearing hoodies and t-shirts featuring the Elsie's Story logo. "I've seen so many videos of people crying at the end of the London marathon and I can't imagine what that will be like," he says. "But I want to enjoy the day. I want to do it for me and I want to do it for Elsie." Mrs Stancombe is certain her husband will complete the marathon, having witnessed his resilience and determination during training. "I have absolutely no doubt, but I know it will be Elsie who'll be the one to carry him over that finish line." The 26.2 mile (42 km) route finishes on The Mall in central Londonand, like David, Mr Aguiar is committed to reaching it. "Twenty-six miles, I've never done anything like that before. But for my girl, I would do 26 or 50 - whatever," he says. "The pain doesn't matter, I'm going to do it." He is raising money to build a newplayground, including a performance stage and library, at Churchtown Primary School,where Alice was a pupil. It will be dedicated to Alice and Bebe, who previously attended the school. Alexandra Aguiar, Alice's mum, says her daughter would have loved to see "her friends play on the playground that [bears] her name". "The fact her name will be overlooking the playground forever, that would make her feel special," she says. "And [I'm sure it's the] same for Bebe." Mrs King agrees, saying the new playground is a fitting tribute. "It's really special that all [Bebe's] friends from that school will have this lasting legacy of her," she says. "She'd be over the moon that she could bring some happiness to her friends and the kids of Churchtown." Ms Aguiar also feels her daughter will be accompanying her dad in spirit during the marathon. "She's always with us. And she's going to be there helping daddy." She says she knows how Alice would have celebrated his efforts: "She would have made a big thing of it and told everyone. She would also bring her shopping list to do after the marathon!" Running alongside Mr Aguiar will be Jinnie Payne, the headteacher of Churchtown Primary School. She says she has been struck by his courage to run and focus on the playground project. "His determination [and] his resilience give me so much strength," says Ms Payne. The project, she says, is ultimately about Southport remembering the girls. Mrs Stancombe and Ms Aguiar will be at the marathon to support their husbands. However, both say it will be their daughters - not them - who helps them cross the finish line. You can watch the London Marathon live on BBC One and iPlayer from 08:30 BST on Sunday and follow it live on the BBC News website.
'Our daughters will be with us', say dads of Southport victims running London Marathon
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Fathers of Southport Dance Class Victims Honor Daughters in London Marathon"
Bbc News
7.8
TruthLens AI Summary
David Stancombe and Sergio Aguiar, two fathers whose daughters tragically lost their lives in a dance class incident in Southport last year, are preparing to run the London Marathon with their daughters' spirits guiding them. The three young girls, Alice Aguiar, 9, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Bebe King, 6, died during a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop in July 2022. As they train for the marathon, both fathers express their deep emotional connections to their daughters, with Mr. Aguiar stating that he talks to Alice while running, feeling her presence encouraging him to persevere. Mr. Stancombe recalls a conversation with Elsie where she inspired him to run the marathon in honor of her grandmother, reflecting on how he never anticipated running for such a poignant reason. The community's support is palpable, with around 40 friends and family members expected to cheer them on, all donning clothing featuring Elsie's Story logo, which symbolizes the charitable efforts established in the girls' memory.
In addition to their personal journeys, both fathers are raising funds for meaningful projects dedicated to their daughters. Mr. Stancombe aims to support Elsie's Story, a charitable trust that provides grants to uplift youth in the Southport area, while Mr. Aguiar seeks to build a playground at Churchtown Primary School in memory of Alice and Bebe. Their wives, Jenni Stancombe and Alexandra Aguiar, emphasize the importance of these projects as lasting legacies for their daughters, with Mrs. Stancombe sharing her pride in her husband's determination to finish the marathon, believing that Elsie will help him cross the finish line. The playground, which will feature a performance stage and library, is envisioned as a joyful space for children, embodying the spirit of the girls. As the marathon approaches, both families express a sense of hope and resilience, knowing that their daughters' memories will continue to inspire and bring happiness to others in the community.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights the poignant story of two fathers, David Stancombe and Sergio Aguiar, who are participating in the London Marathon to honor their daughters, tragically lost in an incident during a dance class. This narrative intertwines themes of grief, community support, and legacy, while aiming to raise funds for charitable projects in memory of the children.
Community Impact and Emotional Resonance
The fathers' participation demonstrates a profound community connection, as they aim to keep the memory of their daughters alive through fundraising efforts. The emotional weight of the story is designed to resonate with the public, potentially fostering a sense of collective empathy and support for the families involved. The mention of the daughters' qualities and the shared grief among the families underscores a message of unity in tragedy.
Public Sentiment and Support
This story seeks to generate public support not only for the marathon runners but also for the charitable causes they are representing. By sharing personal anecdotes about their daughters, the article aims to evoke a sympathetic response from readers, encouraging them to donate and participate in the remembrance of the children. The narrative is crafted to appeal especially to parents and community members, as it highlights the innocence and potential of the young girls whose lives were cut short.
Potential Hidden Agendas
While the article centers on a tragic event, it may also serve a dual purpose: raising awareness about safety in community activities and promoting charitable initiatives. The underlying intention could be to provoke discussions about the importance of community support systems, especially in the wake of tragedies. However, it does not appear to conceal any significant information or manipulate the public perception in a negative light.
Manipulative Aspects
The emotional language used in the article could be seen as manipulative, aiming to tug at the heartstrings of the audience. Phrases that describe the daughters as "wonderful, caring little children" serve to create a specific emotional narrative that may lead to greater public sympathy and support. This style, while effective in generating empathy, also raises questions about the potential for emotional exploitation in storytelling.
Comparison with Other News
When compared to other news stories that focus on tragic events, this article stands out due to its emphasis on community healing and legacy. Unlike sensationalized reports, it fosters a narrative of hope and remembrance, which can be a refreshing contrast in news coverage of similar topics.
Broader Implications
The aftermath of this story could influence community engagement and charitable giving, potentially leading to increased support for local initiatives that honor victims of tragedies. It may also prompt discussions on safety measures in community activities, leading to policy changes or increased awareness about children's safety.
Target Audiences
This article is likely to resonate more with communities that value familial bonds, collective grief, and charitable actions. Parents, educators, and local residents may find it particularly compelling, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for the safety and well-being of children.
Market Impact
While the article does not directly relate to financial markets, it may indirectly influence local businesses and charities that benefit from increased community involvement. The focus on charitable fundraising could lead to a rise in donations for organizations that align with the causes represented by the fathers.
Global Context
In a broader context, this story reflects ongoing societal themes of loss and remembrance, resonating with global conversations about community resilience in the face of tragedy. Its relevance may vary depending on current events, but the fundamental themes of grief and hope are universally applicable.
Use of AI in Writing
It is possible that AI tools were employed in crafting the article, particularly in structuring the narrative and emphasizing emotional appeals. However, the personal testimonies and unique experiences shared suggest a human touch that may not be easily replicated by AI.
Trustworthiness of the Article
The article appears to be reliable, given its focus on personal stories and community involvement without delving into sensationalism. The emotional depth adds authenticity, though readers should remain aware of the potential for emotional manipulation through such narratives.