Southport dads finish London Marathon side by side

The fathers of two girls who were killed in the Southport attack have crossed the finish line of the London Marathon side by side.

Sergio Aguiar and David Stancombe, who have said running was a therapy for them, raced together in the event after also taking part last year.

Their daughters Alice Da Silva Aguiar, nine, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, died alongside six-year-old Bebe King after an attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop in July 2024.

They both completed the 26.2-mile course in a time of four hours and 36 minutes.

Before the event, they were presented with the Spirit of London Marathon Awards, which also grants them a race spot for life.

Sergio said he "couldn't believe" they had been granted the accolade, adding that he runs for his daughter Alice to "spread her magic".

"It means a lot and it is a gift from my princess," he said.

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 memory, Alice's WonderDance.

He has since completed marathons in Berlin, Chicago, New York, Tokyo and Boston.

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

David said he was "very proud" to have received the spirit award, adding he was pleased to see some of Elsie's friends race in Saturday's event.

Prior to Sunday's race, he told BBC Breakfast: "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."

David raised funds for Elsie's Story, a charity set up in his daughter's memory to provide medical care and bereavement support to children and families.

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.