Taylor Swift-themed dance class attack victims GoFundMe raises over $350,000 as slain daughters' fathers run London Marathon

Sergio Aguiar and David Stancombe, the fathers of two young girls who were killed in a Taylor Swift-themed dance class, expressed their love for their slain daughters by running the London Marathon on April 27, 2025.

The London Express reported that Aguiar became emotional as he completed the race and fell to the ground. He was all smiles as he held up his medal and proudly wore a t-shirt with a portrait of his nine-year-old daughter, Alice Dasilva Aguiar.

Stancombe is the father of seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe, who also joined Aguiar in the marathon as they took on the 26.2-mile course. He too wore a t-shirt which promoted his daughter’s trust, called Elsie’s Story.

Aguiar’s shirt pictured information about a GoFundMe campaign, which aimed at building a playground at Churchtown Primary School in honor of Alice and the third victim, a six-year-old, Bebe King. They have reportedly raised over £350,000.

Their daughters were killed in a fatal knife attack by Axel Rudakubana in July 2024. Here is what we know about him.

Everything you need to know about Axel Rudakubana

According to multiple reports, Axel Rudakubana, who was responsible for brutally murdering three girls during a children’s dance class in Southport, was sentenced to life imprisonment for 52 years.

A report in the BBC stated that the incident saw the killing of Elsie Dot Stancombe (7), Bebe King (6), and Alice da Silva Aguiar (9), while injuring eight other children and two adults – dance class leader Leanne Lucas and businessman Jonathan Hayes.

After the attack, he gloated, saying he was "glad the children were dead", as described by the prosecutor Deanna Heer KC. The court was told that he had booked a taxi to take him to Hart Street after leaving his home in Old School Close, Banks, West Lancashire, at 11:10 BST on the morning of July 29, 2024, per the Independent.

Judge Julian Goose said that the 18-year-old “wanted to try and carry out mass murder of innocent, happy young girls.” He added that when he carried out the gruesome killing in 2024, he was only 17 years old, so he was unable to hand him a life sentence.

He had reportedly admitted to 16 offences, including the murder of three girls and to possessing terrorist material and producing the toxin ricin.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer shared a video in support of the slain kids’ fathers to voice his support for them before the race. He said:

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“David and Sergio, I want to wish you the very best of luck in the London Marathon this weekend. I know how much it means to you and your families. This is an incredible way to honor the memory of your precious daughters, and the entire nation is in awe of your courage and resilience. We’ll all be with you every step of the way. Good luck.”

The tragic loss of Alice, Elsie, and Bebe in the Southport dance class attack has left an indelible mark on their families and community.

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