Teachers of Southport stabbing victim plan charity skydive to 'celebrate her incredible spirit'

Monday, 19 May 2025 18:01

The teachers of one of the Southport stabbing victims plan to "celebrate her incredible spirit" by jumping out of a plane at 15,000ft in a charity skydive.

Seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe was killed along with Bebe King, six, and nine-year-old Alice da Silva Aguiar in an attack by Axel Rudakubana at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class last July.

Jennifer Sephton and Adrian Antell, headteachers of Farnborough Road Infant School and Farnborough Road Junior School respectively, will be skydiving to raise funds for Elsie's Story Charitable Trust, which has been set up in memory of the former pupil.

Children from the schools will be contributing by taking part in a "break the rules day", where they can donate in exchange for breaking one of 15 school rules, including dancing in the classroom and sporting temporary tattoos.

Ms Sephton said: "This is a charity so close to both our hearts.

"It was always a privilege to teach Elsie and be part of her learning journey at Farnborough.

"She was such a charismatic, determined young lady who always had an infectious energy and a sparkle in her eyes.

"Elsie is our inspiration and we wanted to do something to honour her memory and celebrate her incredible spirit."

Mr Antell said: "Without a doubt we're both going to be very scared when it comes to jumping! But we know Elsie would be absolutely overjoyed to know her teachers were doing a skydive for her.

"Elsie's Story is such a wonderful charity that is determined to make positive, long-lasting change for the town and people of Southport.

"We want to show our unwavering commitment for the work they are determined to do."

Read more:
Review finds police haven't kept up with social media risks
Meta 'too slow' during UK riots to deal with violent posts online

The charity was set up by Elsie's family following her death to provide grants for children in the community, including funding activities, resources and special experiences to bring "happiness and hope".

Rudakubana,18, was jailed for a minimum of 52 years in January for the murders of the three young girls and attempted murder of eight other children and two adults.

Sky News

More from National News

EU still suffering 'wounds of Brexit', bloc's foreign affairs chief tells Sky News

Britain should have access to the EU's rearmament fund before the end of the year but "wounds of Brexit" mean some member states want it to be limited, the bloc's foreign affairs chief has said.
UK-EU trade deal: What is in the Brexit reset agreement?

The UK and the EU have agreed a new trade deal - five years after Brexit kicked in.
UK-EU deal tips Britain down path towards Swiss-style arrangement

There's a trick to announcing trade agreements like the one unveiled by the prime minister on Monday: pluck out a big-sounding number and release it to the public with zero context in an effort to make this sound very impressive indeed.
David Beckham meets King and Queen at Chelsea Flower Show

David Beckham has met the King and Queen at the Chelsea Flower Show, ahead of the launch of a new charity campaign to get more young people into horticulture.
'I recognise the error and upset caused' - Gary Lineker releases statement as BBC departure confirmed

Gary Lineker has confirmed he is leaving the BBC after this season's Match Of The Day and will no longer present its World Cup coverage.
Third man arrested over fires at properties linked to Sir Keir Starmer

A third man has been arrested in connection with fires at two properties and a car linked to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Brexit reset deal: A TBC agreement with a lot still to be worked out with EU

Sir Keir Starmer used the opulent surroundings of London's Lancaster House to declare with certainty that this is a "landmark deal" that will grow the British economy and put money in people's pockets.
Home secretary pledges new powers to target foreign intelligence agencies seeking to recruit 'criminals and misfits'

The home secretary has pledged to introduce new powers to ban foreign intelligence agencies seeking to recruit "criminals, proxy groups, misfits and private investigators" in the UK.
Boy, 17, charged after teenager is stabbed to death on beach in North Ayrshire

A 17-year-old boy has been charged after a teenager was stabbed to death on a beach in North Ayrshire.