Two dads of Southport victims triumph at London Marathon as they proudly display medals and raise cash for fund
TWO dads of Southport victims proudly display their medals yesterday after an emotional London Marathon.
Sergio Aguiar and David Stancombe raised cash for projects set up in memory of their murdered girls Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven.
Sergio had a picture of nine-year-old Alice on his T-shirt and collapsed to the ground at the finish.
“Elsie’s dad” was displayed on David’s top and he gave a thumbs-up when he crossed the line. The girls were killed alongside Bebe King, six, in a horrific knife rampage last July.
Bebe’s parents Lauren and Ben were both cheering from the sidelines.
Prince William and Princess Kate are understood to have sent their best wishes to the dads.
They also donated to Elsie’s Story, as well as the Churchtown Playground fund, for which Sergio ran.
Elsie’s mum Jenni said beforehand: “We did get a special message from the Prince and Princess of Wales. Obviously we’ve previously met and spent some time with them and told them about Elsie’s Story. So to have a message and a donation means a lot to us.”
David added: “It was special.” Around 56,000 runners took part in the event — with organisers hopeful of breaking New York’s record in November of 55,646 finishers.
EastEnders actor Adam Woodyatt ran for Alzheimer’s UK and had “Babs’ Army” on his T-shirt with a picture of co-star Dame Barbara Windsor, who died in 2020.
TV host Helen Skelton, ex-footballer John Terry and Virgin Radio DJ Chris Evans were among other celeb finishers.
Comedian Joel Dommett hoped to do it in under three hours, but fainted halfway through.
The youngest runner was Lucy Jones, 18 yesterday, while the oldest were Mohan Kudchadker, 84, and Mary Jo Brinkman, 83, who both travelled from the US.
Costumes included Big Bens, sharks and giant chickens.
Tigst Assefa won the women’s elite race in a world record 02.15.50.
Two pro-Palestine protesters jumped the barriers at Tower Bridge and threw red powder paint in front of the men’s elite race, won by Sabastian Sawe in 02.2.25.
Sun sports reporter Joshua Jones ran for youth violence charity Power The Fight, finishing in 04.05.39.