On April 27, 2025, the London Marathon will witness an emotional display of courage and remembrance as two fathers, David Stancombe and Sergio Aguiar, run in honor of their daughters murdered in a tragic incident last year. The fathers are participating in the marathon to raise money for organizations established in memory of their daughters, who were killed during a Taylor Swift-themed dance party in Southport on July 29, 2024.
In a heartfelt video message, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer extended his support to the grieving fathers, saying, "David and Sergio, I want to wish you the very best of luck in the London Marathon this weekend. I know how much it means to you and your families. This is an incredible way to honour the memory of your precious daughters, and the entire nation is in awe of your courage and your resilience. We'll all be with you every single step of the way. Good luck." The message resonated deeply with the families, with Aguiar expressing gratitude for the support received from the public and officials alike.
Tragedy struck when nine-year-old Alice da Silva Aguiar, seven-year-old Elsie Stancombe, and six-year-old Bebe King were killed by Axel Rudakubana, who has been charged with their murders. The girls were attending a dance class at The Hart Space in Southport when the horrific incident occurred. As the marathon approaches, the fathers are determined to honor their daughters' memories through their participation.
David Stancombe, who is running for Elsie's Story—a charitable trust that provides financial assistance to young people in Southport—shared his emotional journey leading up to the marathon. He noted, "Even now it still blows me away that so many people know about it, and you're getting messages from the prime minister. I would love people to know I’ve seen their message, but I have genuinely read so many of them. It’s amazing." His daughter Elsie had previously suggested he run the marathon to honor her grandmother, making this event even more poignant.
Sergio Aguiar, on the other hand, is raising funds to build a new playground, complete with a library and performance stage, at Churchtown Primary School, where Alice and Bebe were students. He expressed his determination, saying, "Twenty-six miles, I’ve never done anything like that before. But for my girl, I would do 26 or 50 – whatever. The pain doesn’t matter, I’m going to do it." He often speaks to Alice during his runs, saying, "I tell her we’re going to do this together; you’re going to be with me – always."
The community has rallied around these families, with Bebe's parents, Lauren and Ben King, also planning to support the fathers during the marathon. They expressed their hope that the legacy of their daughter would bring happiness to her friends and other children at Churchtown Primary School. Ben King remarked, "It’s really special that all [Bebe’s] friends from that school will have this lasting legacy of her. She’d be over the moon that she could bring some happiness to her friends and the kids of Churchtown."
In addition to the emotional stories of the fathers, the London Marathon will also feature 17 Members of Parliament and a peer from the House of Lords, all participating in the race. The marathon course will take runners from Blackheath, passing iconic London landmarks such as the Cutty Sark, Canary Wharf, The Shard, and Tower Bridge, before concluding at St James’s Park. As the day approaches, the weather forecast indicates sunny skies with temperatures expected to reach up to 21°C, a welcome sight for both runners and supporters.
Meanwhile, the #kNOwKnifeCrime campaign continues to gain traction in Southport, with dozens of students participating in the Mini Marathon on April 26, 2025, to raise awareness and funds for the initiative. The campaign, founded by Laura Hughes after the tragic murder of her brother Colin McGinty in 2001, aims to educate young people about the dangers of knife crime and promote safety within the community. This year, five teachers from the Southport Learning Trust will also run in the London Marathon to support the campaign, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in addressing such critical issues.
Laura Hughes expressed her pride in the students' efforts, saying, "What an incredible day at the Mini London Marathon. Sixty amazing children from Southport Learning Trust represented both their schools and the #kNOwKnifeCrime campaign – not just to raise awareness, but to raise vital funds to help deliver Mini Medics first aid training sessions across the Trust’s schools." The campaign’s continued partnership with local schools highlights the growing commitment to ensuring the safety of young people in the region.
As the London Marathon unfolds, the stories of David Stancombe and Sergio Aguiar will serve as a powerful reminder of resilience in the face of tragedy. Their commitment to honoring their daughters' memories through such a significant event underscores the strength of community and the enduring impact of love and loss. The marathon will not only be a test of physical endurance but also a poignant tribute to the lives lost and the legacies that will forever remain.
