Work begins on school memorial for Southport victims
Nearly £400,000 has been raised for a project and library at the primary attended by Alice da Silva Aguiar and Bebe King
Last updated 23rd Jul 2025
Work is underway on a memorial at a primary school attended by two girls killed in the Southport attack.
Alice da Silva Aguiar, aged nine and Bebe King, aged six, were both pupils at Churchtown Primary.
A huge fundraiser has seen nearly £400,000 raised for a memorial playground and library, which it's hoped will open before the new school year starts in September.
Their parents attended an emotional ground-breaking ceremony at the school this week, alongside teachers.
Alex Aguiar, Alice's mum, said: “We know Alice would have loved nothing more than to see her friends reading, imagining and performing here.
"Thank you to everyone who poured their hearts into making this dream possible.”
Lauren King, Bebe's mum, said: “We want every child who visits here to feel supported, to laugh, to learn, and to carry forward the kindness that Bebe embodied.”
Staff from across Endeavour, which runs nine schools in the North West, played a key role in the fundraising campaign.
From the London Marathon to the Blackpool Festival of Running, dozens of runners covered hundreds of miles, raising vital funds and awareness with every step.
Pupils across the trust also took part in a relay that went from school to school, as well as holding school events, talent shows and fun runs to help make the playground a reality.
Churchtown headteacher Jinnie Payne, who helped lead the fundraising campaign alongside Alice’s father, Sergio Aguiar, said the moment marked a significant step in a journey that has united the school and wider community in grief, determination and hope:
“This will be a place full of colour and laughter, where Alice’s and Bebe’s enthusiasm lives on and inspires others.
“I want to thank every single person who has helped us reach this point, from marathon runners and cake bakers to corporate sponsors and schoolchildren who gave their pocket money.
"Since we announced the Churchtown Playground plans, the whole Southport community and beyond has overflowed with offers of help and support, both practically and emotionally.
“I’d like to thank everyone whose hard work has helped us get to this point, and I’m hugely looking forward to our official opening later this year.”