Southport stabbing victim's charity takes important step forward

Elsie's Story has taken an important step forward as her parents vow to ensure her death isn't in vein
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


The charity formed by the bereaved family of Elsie Dot Stancombe has taken another step forward. Elsie was one of three schoolgirls brutally killed in a mass stabbing at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class at The Hart Space in Southport on July 29.

Elsie, seven, along with Alice Da Silva Aguiar, nine, and Bebe King, six, lost there lives as a result of their injuries suffered in the attack. Eight other children and two adults were also hospitalised after the attack. Elsie's parents, Jenni and Dave Stancombe, announced last month they had created a charitable trust that would allow them to award grants to community projects in their daughter's name.

Over the weekend, the family announced the news that the charity, Elsie's Story, has officially been registered with the Charity Commission and has been assigned a charity number. Posting on social media, Jenni wrote: "We’re thrilled to announce that we are now officially registered with the Charity Commission and have been assigned our charity number: 1210811.

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"A huge thank you to Brabners Solicitors, DSG Accountants and MetroBank for their invaluable support and guidance in helping us achieve this milestone and making this all possible. We couldn’t have done it without you!

"In the coming weeks, we will be sharing some incredible fundraising that has already taken place, support we are truly grateful for. Thank you to everyone who has reached out with plans to host events or take on challenges in support of Elsie’s Story. Your commitment and kindness are deeply appreciated."

During "Elsie's Special Day" in August when she was laid to rest, Jenni and Dave paid tribute to their daughter in an emotional ceremony. 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.