Two Southport Fathers Complete London Marathon Together, Honoring Their Daughters

Two fathers whose daughters were killed in the Southport attack have crossed the finish line of the London Marathon as a united pair, completing the grueling 26.2-mile course in four hours and 36 minutes.

Sergio Aguiar and David Stancombe, who have described running as a form of therapy, participated in the 2026 event together, following their participation in the previous year's race. Their daughters—Alice Da Silva Aguiar, aged nine, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, aged seven—were among three children killed in a attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop in July 2024. Six-year-old Bebe King also died in the incident.

Award Recognition and Personal Journey

Prior to the race, both men were presented with the Spirit of London Marathon Awards, an honour that also grants them lifetime entry to the event.

Sergio, who has now completed seven marathons in his daughter Alice's memory, expressed his gratitude for the recognition. "It means a lot and it is a gift from my princess," he stated, emphasising that he runs to "spread her magic."

Following last year's London Marathon, Sergio undertook an ambitious challenge to complete six of the world's major marathons within 12 months. This effort supports Alice's WonderDance, a foundation he established in his daughter's honour. To date, he has successfully finished marathons in Berlin, Chicago, New York, Tokyo, and Boston.

Building Strength Together

David, who raised funds for Elsie's Story—a charity providing medical care and bereavement support to children and families—reflected on his evolving bond with Sergio. "Last year we ran it as two dads and this time around we're running it as two friends," he told BBC Breakfast before the race. "We wanted to run it together because of how close we've got."

The fathers' dedication has inspired further community action. Schools attended by Alice and Elsie organised a mini-marathon in London on Saturday, with some of Elsie's friends participating in Sunday's main event.

David expressed his pride in receiving the Spirit Award and his appreciation for seeing his daughter's friends take part in the marathon.