'Kisses to heaven'

ON 6 August 2024, Southport held another peaceful vigil for the victims of the devastating incident at a Taylor Swift themed dance and yoga event.

One week on Family members of those involved in the incident, along with friends, and residents gathered at The Atkinson Art Centre and blew bubbles and clapped in memory of:- Bebe King 6, Elsie Dot Stancombe 7, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar 9.

This vigil was in stark contrast to some of the events last week, that happened throughout the UK. A spokesperson at the event said:- "This is the way our Town wants to show our love to the families who have suffered profound loss and help bring together our community."

Children not only blew bubbles, but also placed even more flowers and balloons in front of The Atkinson Arts Centre, on Lord Street, Southport, Merseyside.



The event's organiser said that:- "The bubbles were donated by local shops, arcades, charities and families of the victims. We wanted to give our Town's children a chance to blow kisses to heaven and to help their mental health."

Our newsroom has had many people within the community telling us that they are finding it hard to explain to their children what has happened. If you are finding it hard, we have been told by the Red Cross that:- "The key, when explaining an event such as a terrorist attack to children, is not going into detail. You should not lie, but you also want to keep it low key. Offer a simple, direct explanation that is age appropriate. It's fine to say, for example, that there was an attack. Avoid euphemism and graphic detail. Keep it as simple as possible. It is really important to keep normal routines going, such as School and bed time. Like adults, children are fundamentally resilient. Reassure them that their Home and School are safe places, and that these events, while tragic, rarely happen."

If you are struggling in connection with this traumatic incident, please contact Victim Support who are independent charity, dedicated to helping victims of crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales. You can contact them for free by calling on:- 08081689111, or going to their website:- VictimSupport.Org.UK.

St John Ambulance also have a more general guide with tips, that are easy to implement and can help keep you feeling physically and mentally well. To read it please go to:- SJA.Org.UK.

Alder Hey Children's Hospital has confirmed that all children admitted to its site with injuries linked to the attack have now been safely discharged. It said in a statement the Hospital has told the media that:- "We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved in responding to the incident or caring for anyone affected by it, especially our colleagues in the NHS, Merseyside Police, and North West Ambulance Service. We also want to say thank you to all who sent well wishes to Alder Hey and to the families affected. Our heartfelt sympathies remain with all those impacted by last week’s tragic events."

Our thoughts are also with yoga instructor Leanne Lucas and businessman John Hayes, and their families and friends.

Well done to all who took part and helped to run the bubble blowing event for the community, and in particular for our Town's children...

The people of Southport will not forget:- Elsie, Alice and Bebe.

Southport Hesketh Round Table is now urgently seeking donations to assist the affected families and children affected by the attack. Donations can be made directly to the Southport Hesketh Round Table or to a Go Fund Me Page.

Marc Foreman of the Southport Hesketh Round Table expressed the collective grief and determination of the charity:- "The gravity of this atrocity is indescribable as we are still coming to terms with it. Our community has been deeply shaken, and as a charity based in this tight-knit community, we all know someone affected by this. Please donate whatever you can so we can try and build back up the lives affected by this horrific incident."