Southport dads: 'Running for our girls has made us like brothers'

Two dads whose daughters were killed in the Southport attack said running has brought them so close they have become "like brothers" as they prepare to run the London Marathon together.

Alice Da Silva Aguiar, nine, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, died alongside Bebe King, six, in July 2024 when they were attacked at a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop.

Sergio Aguiar and David Stancombe both ran last year's London Marathon separately in memory of their daughters Alice and Elsie - but this time they are running alongside each other.

David said: "Last year we ran it as two dads, and this time around we're running it as two friends.

We wanted to run it together because of how close we've got. "

Sergio ran the London Marathon in 2025 to raise money for a new playground at Alice's school while David was running for the charity set up in his daughter's name, Elsie's Story.

The pair said running had become a kind of therapy for them and a way to honour their daughters. Sergio told BBC Breakfast: "You have these kind of days you don't want to wake up and as soon as I go out running afterwards I feel much better so running for me has helped me a lot. " David said: "I'm not running to get. I'm just running to get better. " By running together, they have forged a close friendship and are doing the 26. 2 mile (42 km) race together this time around. Sergio said running alongside David was "very important" to him as he was "like a brother". David said: "I feel the same. "

Sergio said together they would "help and support each other, enjoy and have a good time. "

at this year's race, as well as honouring their girls. He said he felt a "good connection" with David "from the first moment" he met him and wanted to stay friends with him for the rest of his life. Sergio and David both said the other had been a big support. David told Sergio: "I don't think you realise how much you have helped me. "

After finishing the London Marathon last year, Sergio decided to do six of the world's major marathons in 12 months for the foundation he set up in his daughter's name, Alice's WonderDance.

He has gone on to complete marathons in Berlin, Chicago, New York, Tokyo and Boston.

David said he was "very proud" of Sergio's achievements.

"I think what he's done is incredible, I certainly couldn't do it, going from one marathon to another. "

He said when Sergio gets his sixth major medal, "I'll be the first one to clap".

With Sergio the more experienced marathon runner, they were asked if David would keep up.

Sergio joked: "If he goes faster than me, I'm going to hold him. " "That's never going to happen," David replied, adding they have come to an agreement. "If Sergio slows down, I'll speed up," he laughed.

Inspired by Sergio and David's running, Alice and Elsie's schools will also be taking part in a mini marathon in London on Saturday.

David said: "I think we've seen the impact that running has had on the kids and the community. It's such a good way for a family to spend time with each other and we're proud of the children.

Whatever happens both dads have said they know that on the day they will have each other, their families supporting them, as well as Bebe's family on the sidelines to cheer them on.

Sergio said: "I wish I could see Alice.

All the marathons I do, I just think about her. " He said running with David meant they both had extra support from each other's families.

David has said the only reason he runs is for Elsie but having Sergio by his side will be a big comfort.

"I think when I finish the marathon, obviously I'll be carrying Elsie every step of the way but there'll be that sense of achievement that again, like myself and Sergio, we'll have done it again for Alice and Elsie. " Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230