Fundraiser for primary schools of Alice, Bebe and Elsie raises thousands
A fundraiser for the three schoolgirls who were killed in a mass stabbing in Southport managed to raise thousands of pounds. The 24-hour walking football match saw players aged between 60 and 90 years old take to the pitch in aid of the girls' primary schools: Churchtown Primary School, Marshside Primary School and Farnborough Road Infants School.
The game was kicked off by Everton legend Ian Snodin and ex-Liverpool player Jim Beglin while other former players such as Alan Kennedy, Mark Wright and Chris Kirkland joined in. The match followed the attack at The Hart Space in Southport on Monday, July 29, which saw Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Da Silva Aguiar, nine, killed at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class, as well as eight children and two adults injured.
Event co-organiser Roger Cass said: “What a great event that was! It was quite challenging for our worn bodies but totally fulfilling for our inner spirit. We played 12, two hour sessions with just a few minor injuries and around 646 goals scored over the 24 hours.
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"We had fantastic support from Sefton Council, Dunes Leisure Centre and the three schools. Head teachers turned up with a breakfast for us all consisting of croissants, doughnuts and cakes, perhaps they considered that we had burned plenty of calories through the event and could afford a little indulgence. Let me tell you they were most welcome.
“Alan Kennedy appeared and played most of the day, Mark Wright came and supported and Chris Kirkland also spent time with us and played alongside us. Ian Snodin kicked us off and had a photo session with us as well.
“Merseyside Police turned up at 4am and provided some deserved applause and encouragement and the oncoming shift then re-appeared to spur us on too later in the morning. It was a great community togetherness and it was a rewarding experience for us all.”
Event co-organiser Steven Thompson said: “It was an unbelievable event, far exceeding my expectations and so heart-warming to see the community pulling together.”
Money was also raised through an auction, with prizes including a signed and framed Virgil van Dijk shirt and an Anfield stadium tour being up for grabs. The JustGiving page has raised more than £13,000, with donations still coming through. To read more or donate, click here.