Southport Dads London Marathon 2026: "Like Brothers" Running for Girls

Published: 24 April 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

As the capital prepares for the 2026 London Marathon this Sunday, April 26, the crowds will be cheering for two men whose race is about far more than a personal best. Sergio Aguiar and David Stancombe, the fathers of two of the young girls killed in the Southport attack on July 29, 2024, have revealed how their shared journey of grief and training has forged a bond so profound they now consider themselves “like brothers.“

Alice Da Silva Aguiar, 9, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, were murdered alongside 6-year-old Bebe King during a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop. While the two fathers have faced a long and agonizing road to justice—culminating in a minimum 52-year sentence for the killer in January 2026—they have spent the last several months channelling their pain into the 26.2-mile course. “We are doing this together,” Sergio told reporters. “The pain of training is nothing compared to what we’ve been through. But having David there—someone who truly knows—makes it manageable.“

The two fathers found an unlikely solace in each other’s company during the darkest months following the attack. What began as occasional meetings to discuss memorial projects evolved into a rigorous training schedule that has become a vital part of their recovery.

The “Brotherhood” of Grief: “There are things you don’t have to say to each other because we both know,” David said. “Running has given us a space to talk, to cry, and to remember our girls. We’ve become family through the worst circumstances imaginable.“

The “Elsie” Motivation: David recalled watching the marathon with Elsie on TV just months before the tragedy. “She told me I should run it one day for her grandmother. I never thought I’d be running it for her, but I know she’ll be the one carrying me over that finish line.“

A Community United: Bebe King’s parents, Lauren and Ben King, will be among the thousands cheering from the sidelines. “It is incredible what they are doing,” Lauren said. “They were such wonderful, caring children, and I reckon they are just up there watching over us.“

The marathon serves as a powerful fundraising engine for the legacies of all three girls.

Elsie’s Story: David is raising funds for a charitable trust that provides grants to support young people and community initiatives in the Southport area. The trust recently received a “special message” and donation from the Prince and Princess of Wales.

Alice’s Playground: Sergio is running to fund a new commemorative playground and library at Churchtown Primary School, where Alice and Bebe were pupils.

The Headteacher’s Support: Joining the fathers on the course is Jinnie Payne, the headteacher of Churchtown Primary, who has been a pillar of support for the families since the attack.

The 2026 marathon follows a landmark public inquiry that concluded earlier this month. The inquiry, led by Sir Adrian Fulford, highlighted “catastrophic failures” by authorities and the killer’s parents, adding further weight to the families’ calls for systemic change.

For the people of Southport, seeing the “Marathon Dads” on the national stage is a powerful symbol of the town’s resilience. In a video message, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer wished the pair luck, noting that “the entire nation is in awe of your courage.” As they prepare to tackle the streets of London this Sunday, David and Sergio aren’t just running for medals; they are running for Alice, Elsie, and Bebe—and for the brotherhood that has kept them standing when everything else felt lost.

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