Churchtown playground appeal hits £250k fundraising target

Churchtown Primary School has proudly announced that an appeal to build a commemorative playground, honouring two of the Southport attack victims, Alice and Bebe, has successfully reached its £250,000 target.

Alice’s dad, Sergio Aguiar, and her mum, Alex, launched the fundraising effort to create a vibrant, inspiring space at Churchtown Primary School, where Alice was a much-loved pupil.

The playground will include a performance stage and library, reflecting Alice’s love of music and learning. It will also serve as a tribute to Bebe, who previously attended the school.

Speaking on BBC Breakfast before the fundraising target was reached, Sergio said: “In the next few years, thousands of children will enjoy that playground. We always said that the school felt like a second home to Alice. She would be very proud of us creating this playground. I can imagine how happy she would be to see it. I wish she could have enjoyed it.”

Grateful for the overwhelming support from the community, Sergio added: “People are so kind. They come up to me and say, ‘well done, the playground will be amazing’.”

Sergio will also run next month’s London Marathon alongside Churchtown Primary School’s headteacher, Jinnie Payne, to continue raising awareness and honouring Alice’s memory.

Ms Payne confirmed that the playground is set to be completed by September: “This will be a space full of joy, creativity, and laughter – exactly the kind of place Alice and Bebe would have loved.”

Alice’s favourite teacher, Alan Bowen, shared his thoughts on the project: “I can picture Alice on that playground’s stage, singing, twirling her hair, and leading everybody else. It’s a beautiful way to keep her spirit alive.”

The school continues to extend its heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to making this vision a reality.

The playground will stand as a lasting tribute to Alice and Bebe, ensuring their joy and light continue to inspire future generations of children at Churchtown Primary.

Ms Payne added: “The community response has been absolutely extraordinary. Over 9000 donations is just unbelievable and that’s what’s touched me. The money is important, but the messaging is just as important. This project is a testament to the love that surrounds Alice and Bebe, and their memory.”

Mr Bowen commented: “From the person who donated £5 to the person that donated £10,000, we have been staggered and overwhelmed. It’s not just our Southport community or our parents, but the whole world has become a Churchtown community, wrapping their arms around us.

“It always surprises me how many beautiful things can be borne out of adversity, and this is one of those things – to think that out of the tragic events we can bring something that will bring enormous joy to generations of children moving forward.”

Alice’s mother, Alex, said: “I cannot wait to see all the children playing in the playground.”

Bebe’s parents commented: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who made this playground possible. To the school, the donors and the entire community, thank you for your generosity and kindness.

“Bebe loved this school so much. Knowing that future generations will have a place to play, laugh and make memories is so special to us. This playground is a beautiful tribute to Bebe and Alice, and their light will live on in the joy of the children who will enjoy it for years to come. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

Thanks to an outpouring of love and support, the school has already reached its initial fundraising target of £250,000, but Churchtown doesn’t want it to stop there – any additional funds raised will be distributed to local charities supporting those affected by this tragedy.

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Photo credit: BBC News