Elsie's truly special day marks life of 'amazing little girl' who 'made everyone smile just by being her'

Elsie Dot Stancombe's parents paid a moving tribute to their daughter as hundreds lined the streets of Birkdale in memory of the schoolgirl killed in a knife attack in Southport. Elsie's "special day", as her family wished it to be known, was a day filled with colour and celebration of the life of the little girl who "everyone else wanted to play with."

The family had arranged a meticulous funeral service, inviting members of the community to gather throughout Southport to pay tribute to the seven-year-old. During a touching eulogy, Emily Ridgway, who spoke on behalf of the heartbroken parents, said Elsie was "always the child everyone else wanted to play with, her kind and caring nature just welcomed everyone in".

Elsie was one of three schoolgirls killed in the mass stabbing that took place at The Hart Space on Hart Street in Southport on Monday, July 29. Eight other children and two adults were left with injuries from the attack, with Elsie being the third and final child to be laid to rest following the private funeral of Bebe King, six, last week and Alice da Silva Aguiar's service the week before.

Hours before the funeral, parents Jenni and Dave released a moving tribute, where they described their daughter as a "devoted Swiftie" who loved to dance. The tribute said: "Elsie was an amazing little girl. She had the ability to light up any room that she entered, she was truly unforgettable."

They said her passion was cheerleading and that she was persistent in completing charity challenges. The tribute continued: "Elsie has brought light, love and joy to so many lives and it has been clear to us in the overwhelming response from everybody that knew her and everybody within the community."

They went on to thank the community and said the family would always be proud to live in the town. They vowed to ensure Elsie's legacy would continue with positivity and hope.

Despite some bad weather due to Storm Lilian, mourners came out in large numbers on the streets of Birkdale to pay tribute to the little girl, many wearing colours to celebrate Elsie's life. The cortege made its way through part of Southport, making its way past Elsie's primary school, Farnborough Road Junior School, before passing her family home on Arundel Road.

The horse-drawn carriage then made its way to St John's Church where the rain stopped, the clouds broke and a ray of sunshine shone down on the little girl's coffin. Members of Elsie’s cheerleading group, Vortex Cheer, formed a guard of honour as the coffin, topped with a blue cuddly toy, was carried into the church, down a pink carpet and through a balloon arch, with bubbles in the air.

Elsie's dog, Bobby, who she brought home and cared for, watched on as she was carried into the church, decorated with pink ribbons, balloons and flowers draped across the outside and inside of the building. People poured into the church as they prepared to say their final goodbyes to the schoolgirl.

The service began with touching words from Reverend Jennie Hardy who said: "Her last birthday was an Elsie-fest and today we are continuing that theme.” Emily Ridgway, speaking on behalf of Jenni and David, said: "Elsie’s proudest moment came when she found out she was being given the title ‘big sister’. As any of us who are big sisters will know, it’s an incredibly privileged title to have and one that she was so excited for.

“She absolutely adored her little sister Rosie, she doted on her, mothered her and loved her like no-one else could. The three best friends became four best friends and family time together was so, so precious. Elsie and Rosie have grown up with their parents showing them how to truly live, how to embrace everything that life throws at you and to always, always be there for one another.”

Emily, speaking to Jenni and David, added: "Your beautiful, perfect little girl made you her mummy and daddy and that can never be taken away. Elsie was a gift given to you and to her sister and she made your lives immeasurably joyful.

“Her story doesn’t end here today, her story will be told every single day by those who love her. Her name, such a special name, will be said every single day. She will make you smile every day, just as she did when she was by your side.

“Elsie absolutely will continue to make a difference to this world because of her pure, kind heart. She always did what made her happy and she would want you to continue her happiness in your hearts."

Elsie's former teacher at Farnborough Road Primary School, Katie Sykes, held back tears as she described the seven-year-old. She said she was an “encyclopaedia of knowledge” and she "made everybody smile just by being her.”

She added: “Farnborough Road will never be the same again without Elsie.”

Ms Sykes' tribute was followed by tributes from Deputy Chief Constable Chris Greene and Farnborough Road Infant School headteacher Jennie Sephton who read a poem called "We Only Want You".

Revered Roy Doran, who baptised Elsie at the church where her funeral was held, gave a Bible reading. Hymns Abide With Me and One More Step Along The World I Go were sung during the service.

The congregation clapped along as Lean On Me was performed and joined in with actions for the song Be Bold, Be Strong – which Elsie sang in school assemblies. The coffin left the church with Elsie’s close family as Harrriet Oti sang Taylor Swift’s Love Story, which Rev Hardy said was “one of Elsie’s favourite songs”.

Following the conclusion of this service, the procession made its way down Liverpool Road and into the town centre, passing The Atkinson, where people had gathered for a vigil around midday, as well as Royal Mail staff paying tribute to colleague Dave Stancombe.