The teachers of one of the Southport stabbing victims plan to “celebrate her incredible spirit” by jumping out of a plane at 15,000ft in a charity skydive.
Seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe was killed along with Bebe King, six, and nine-year-old Alice da Silva Aguiar in an attack by Axel Rudakubana at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class last July.
Jennifer Sephton and Adrian Antell, headteachers of Farnborough Road Infant School and Farnborough Road Junior School respectively, will be skydiving to raise funds for Elsie’s Story Charitable Trust, which has been set up in memory of the former pupil.
(L-R) Alice da Silva Aguiar, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Bebe King were killed in an attack at a Taylor Swift-themed class
Children from the schools will be contributing by taking part in a “break the rules day”, where they can donate in exchange for breaking one of 15 school rules, including dancing in the classroom and sporting temporary tattoos.
Ms Sephton said: “This is a charity so close to both our hearts.
“It was always a privilege to teach Elsie and be part of her learning journey at Farnborough.
“She was such a charismatic, determined young lady who always had an infectious energy and a sparkle in her eyes.
“Elsie is our inspiration and we wanted to do something to honour her memory and celebrate her incredible spirit.”
Mr Antell said: “Without a doubt we’re both going to be very scared when it comes to jumping! But we know Elsie would be absolutely overjoyed to know her teachers were doing a skydive for her.
“Elsie’s Story is such a wonderful charity that is determined to make positive, long-lasting change for the town and people of Southport.
“We want to show our unwavering commitment for the work they are determined to do.”
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The charity was set up by Elsie’s family following her death to provide grants for children in the community, including funding activities, resources and special experiences to bring “happiness and hope”.
Rudakubana,18, was jailed for a minimum of 52 years in January for the murders of the three young girls and attempted murder of eight other children and two adults.
