In a heartwarming tribute, Sergio Aguiar and David Stancombe have been announced as the recipients of the 2025 Helen Rollason Award. This accolade recognizes their profound impact on the community following a tragic event in Southport.
Documentary Highlights Community Resilience
A small team from BBC Breakfast produced a documentary titled “Our Girls: The Southport Families,” which aired on iPlayer. This documentary chronicles the lives of the affected families and the joy their daughters brought into their lives, emphasizing the legacies established in their memory.
Building Lasting Legacies
Following the tragedy, families formed close bonds despite not knowing one another prior. Jenni Stancombe, mother of Elsie, captured this sentiment by saying, “There are two families in the world that know how we feel. It’s them.” David Stancombe, her husband, shared his daughter’s motivation for running the London Marathon, which he planned to dedicate to Elsie.
- Elsie’s Story: A charitable trust that provides grants to support young individuals in Southport.
- Alice’s WonderDance: Established by the Aguiars to assist young performers with uniforms, classes, and transport.
- Bebe’s Hive: A creative centre initiated by the Kings, supporting grieving children.
Revamping Southport’s Town Hall
This year, the families collaborated to secure £10 million for refurbishing Southport’s Town Hall. The renovation plans are infused with elements inspired by the girls’ love for dance, music, and arts. This project aims to express gratitude to the Southport community for their unwavering support.
A Vision for the Future
The families envision the revamped town hall as a vibrant space for joy, hope, and community connection. They hope it will serve as a safe haven for children and families, fostering a sense of belonging in the heart of Southport.
Recognition for Community Champions
Sergio Aguiar and David Stancombe join an esteemed list of previous Helen Rollason Award winners. This award honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional community service and resilience, contributing positively to society.
Former winners include Dr. Mark Prince, recognized in 2024 for his initiatives with the Kiyan Price Foundation aimed at reducing knife crime among youth through boxing. Other notable recipients feature sports legends and advocates who have brought attention to significant social issues.
