CTK Students Run 12.7 Miles to Raise £1,800 for Southport Attack Charities

The Christ the King Catholic High School community in Southport was filled with pride recently when seventeen pupils took on a 12.7-mile relay challenge to raise money for charities set up in memory of Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice Da Silva Aguiar - three young girls killed in the Southport attack of July 2024.

The relay team, accompanied by Learning Mentor, Mr Oliver, drawn from Years 7 to 10, set off from the gates of Christ the King (CTK) and made their way through the streets of Southport, passing the primary schools attended by the three girls. Along the route, the team was warmly and enthusiastically received by staff and children at Churchtown Primary, St Patrick's Primary, Marshside Primary and Farnborough Road Primary, each of which had prepared banners and turned out to cheer the runners on.

On Monday 19th May, representatives from all three charities visited CTK, where the school presented each with a cheque for £600 from a total of £1,800 raised through public donations.

Elsie's Story was set up by the Stancombe family to provide medical care and bereavement support to children and families. Bebe's Hive was created in Bebe King's memory to support grieving children through activities, resources and experiences. Alice's WonderDance was founded by Alice's family to remove barriers to dance and creative movement for young people, helping children across the Liverpool City Region access classes and opportunities they might not otherwise have. All three charities work closely together, and CTK hopes the funds raised will help them continue supporting young people and their families.

Deputy Headteacher, Mrs Oliver, said: “We are extremely proud of our relay team and of the community spirit shown by everyone involved, from our pupils and staff to the primary schools who lined the route and all those who donated"

“Nobody in Southport will ever forget what happened that day, and we will all carry it with us always. Our fundraising is a small way for us to show our support for the families affected and the incredible work these charities are doing to provide help, and bring joy and happiness, to others.”

Christ the King Catholic High School - an associate member of the Pope Francis Catholic Multi Academy Trust – celebrated the amazing efforts of the relay team with a special breakfast.

Headteacher Mrs Wheeler added: “We would like to thank Mr Oliver for coordinating the whole event, Mrs Ashton and Mr Alexander for their help with transport, and Mrs Oliver for driving the minibus and dropping pupils at changeover points throughout the route – and, of course, everyone who donated their hard earned money and helped make this event a massive success.

“Working in unity together as a school and a community means we can achieve so much more. Watch this space for our next challenge!”