Two fathers who lost their daughters last year at a dance class in Southport have told the BBC that their children will run the London Marathon with them in spirit.
For projects named in their daughters’ names, David Stancombe and Sergio Aguiar are raising money. Bebe King, 6, and Alice Aguiar, 9, both died last July while they were a part of a Taylor Swift dance workshop.
Mr. Aguiar claims to speak with Alice when he runs by himself. I tell her to continue to follow me, that we will accomplish this together, and that you will always be with me.
“A little bit of me was like, ‘oh yeah, alright Els,'” says Mr. Stancombe. “I just never believed I would be running it for these reasons,” he said.
On Sunday, Lauren and Ben King, Bebe’s parents, will both be cheering on the duo at the marathon.
Family giftsWhile David and Sergio are cheering their daughters as they approach the finish line, Mrs. King says it is important to the couple that they are at the side of the road because they want to represent their daughter.
She claims that they were “such wonderful, loving little children.” They all shared such traits, even though none of them knew each other. And I believe they are simply there looking out for us and watching us closely.
Mr. Stancombe is raising money for Elsie’s Story, a charitable trust that provides grants to Southport area youth and helps them succeed.
Jenni Stancombe, her mother, says, “I keep saying Elsie and those other girls will live longer than us.” “Elsie’s story and the work we’re doing in the community will carry on her legacy,” she said.
Elsie wouldn’t want it any other way, she says, because the grants are intended to “produce joy, happiness, and support for children.”
Mrs. Stancombe recalls how she dreads the thought of David crossing the finish line and how their daughter would have responded.
Around 40 people, including Mr. Stancombe, will be cheering him on in London wearing hoodies and t-shirts with the Elsie’s Story logo.
He claims, “I’ve seen so many videos of people crying at the end of the London marathon. I can’t imagine what that will be like.” However, I want to enjoy the day. Both Elsie and I want to do it, respectively.
After witnessing his resilience and perseverance during training, Mrs. Stancombe is certain that her husband will successfully complete the marathon.
“I have no doubts, but I am certain that Elsie will carry him past the finish line.”
Like David, Mr. Aguiar is determined to complete the 26.2 mile (42 km) route, which ends at The Mall in central London.
Alice and Bebe, who previously attended the school, will be the recipients.
Alice’s mother, Alexandra Aguiar, claims that her daughter would have adored seeing her friends play on the playground with her name.
She claims that her name will forever be on the playground, making her feel special. “And] I’m certain that Bebe will do the same.”
Mrs. King agrees, calling the new playground a fitting tribute. She claims that it’s “absolutely special” that all of Bebe’s friends from that school will leave behind a strong legacy.
Family giftMs. Aguiar thinks that her daughter will spirit-guard her father while the marathon is taking place. She is with us constantly. And she’ll be there with her daddy to assist him.
She claims she is aware of how Alice would have honored his accomplishments by telling everyone. She would also bring her list of things to do after the marathon.
Jinnie Payne, the headteacher of Churchtown Primary School, will compete alongside Mr. Aguiar.
She claims that his courage to run and concentrate on the playground project surprised her.
“His determination and] his resilience give me a lot of strength,” says Ms. Payne. In the end, she claims, Southport should remember the girls.
At the marathon, Mrs. Stancombe and Mrs. Aguiar will raise money for their husbands. Both women claim that their daughters will assist them in crossing the finish line, not them.
Source: BBC
Leave a Reply