Churchtown teachers to run the London Marathon in memory of Southport victims

A Southport headteacher is running the London Marathon to raise funds in memory of her former pupils, Alice da Silva Aguiar and Bebe King, who lost their lives in the Southport attack last year.

Jinnie Payne is the headteacher at Churchtown Primary School, where Alice and Bebe attended. She is aiming to raise £250,000 by running the marathon, with the funds going towards the construction of a new playground for the school, in memory of Alice and Bebe.

The new playground, which was suggested by Alice’s parents as a way of honouring Alice and Bebe’s memory, will serve as a joyful and healing place for Churchtown’s pupils.

Jinnie will be joined by Alice’s father, Sergio Aguiar, as well as colleagues and parents from across the wider Endeavour Learning Trust, which Churchtown is a part of. Runners will either be taking part in the London Marathon, or the Blackpool Festival of Running, which is also in April.

Designs for the new playground include a dedicated performance space, a new indoor and outdoor library where pupils and their families can come together, and a trim trail track. Plans also feature enhancements to the early years’ playground, including a den-building area to inspire creativity and adventure.

Alice’s father, Sergio Aguiar, said: “I’m running not just for Alice, but also everyone who was affected by last year’s tragedy.

“Alice was always so keen on school and learning, and she was very proud of her 100% attendance. The new playground will provide a safe and fun space to help others achieve this too. Who wouldn’t want to come to school with such a great playground?

“The new space also has a library and performance space which is bound to bring joy and memorable moments to the pupils and whole community of Churchtown.

“This playground is exactly the sort of place which Alice would have loved. Her boundless energy, enthusiasm and creativity will be celebrated in the new playground by other pupils every day. And that’s a beautiful and befitting legacy to the community she loved so dearly.”

Jinnie Payne, headteacher at Churchtown Primary School, said: “Our children have been actively involved in the planning process, and it’s been heartwarming to see their faces light up seeing the artist impressions of their new playground. They are full of love and hope for what this outdoor space will bring, and they can’t wait to play in a space that reflects our values of unity, and inclusion.

“This playground will be a symbol of how we come together as a school and a community, supporting one another and celebrating the legacy of Alice and Bebe.

“When my colleagues and I are running in April we’ll be holding Alice and Bebe in our hearts, and they’ll be powering us on towards the finish line.”

David Clayton, CEO of Endeavour Learning Trust, said: “This project is a testament to the love that surrounds Alice and Bebe and the impact they had on those who knew them. It represents hope for the future, ensuring that their legacy lives on in a meaningful way.

“Creating a sense of belonging is at the heart of this vision to create a space where every child feels valued, inspired, and supported.

“Churchtown Primary School and the wider community have come together in unity, demonstrating incredible strength in the face of tragedy. Community spirit is central to everything we do at Endeavour Learning Trust and this playground will be a shared effort to build something lasting and positive for generations to come.”

Any additional funds raised will be donated to local charities that are helping those affected by this tragedy.

Donations can be made here. Jinnie and Sergio’s journey can be tracked online at #ChurchtownPlayground, and businesses and people are encouraged to contribute what they can and use the hashtag to join in fundraising.

Following the announcement on 20 February, fundraising has nearly reached £75,000.

Jinnie Payne commented: “We’re absolutely delighted and overwhelmed by the huge generosity of the British public over the last 24 hours as we near the £75,000 mark of funds raised. 

“We still have a long way to go and will continue to bang the drum for the Churchtown Playground, so that our school can commemorate Alice and Bebe in the way they deserve. Every donation, big or small, helps us towards our goal – from £5 contributed by some to the anonymous donor who has kindly donated £3,000. Let’s push on to our target, and beyond!”