A fundraiser for the family of Bebe King, one of the three girls killed in an attack in Southport last month, has generated more than £70,000 following support from the travel industry.
Six-year-old Bebe was fatally stabbed at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in the Merseyside town on July 29. Alice Dasilva Aguiar, aged nine, and seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe were also killed by the attacker.
Members of the travel industry shared messages of condolence for Bebe’s family and expressed support for Bebe’s mother, Lauren, who works in the sector. Lauren’s employer previously said it was supporting the family and following the police lead to respect the privacy of the families and not disclose details of their identities.
Messages have continued to urge those in the industry to support a GoFundMe appeal set up to help give the King family time and space to mourn without having to worry about financial concerns. By noon on Tuesday, August 13, the total stood at £72,163 following 2,600 donations.
Lauren and husband Ben issued a public statement through Merseyside Police on Saturday in which they paid tribute to Bebe and highlighted the courage of her older sister, nine-year-old Genie, who witnessed the attack and managed to escape.
“Our hearts are broken, but we find some comfort in knowing that Bebe was so deeply loved by all who knew her,” read the statement. “She will forever be our shimmering star, and we will carry her with us in everything we do.”
Lauren and Ben also said the love and support extended to their family had been of “incredible comfort”.
“From the pink lights illuminating Sefton and Liverpool, to the pink bows, flowers, balloons, cards, and candles left in her memory, we have been overwhelmed by the kindness and compassion shown to our family,” the statement read.
“The response from Southport, the whole of Liverpool, and even further afield has deeply touched our hearts, and we are so grateful to everyone who has reached out to us.”
Full statement from Lauren and Ben King
On Monday, the 29th of July, our world was shattered by the loss of our precious daughter, Bebe. Along with two other beautiful souls, Elsie and Alice, she was taken from us in an unimaginable act of violence that has left our hearts broken beyond repair. Our beloved Bebe, only six years old, was full of joy, light, and love, and she will always remain in our hearts as the sweet, kind, and spirited girl we adore.
The outpouring of love and support from our community and beyond has been a source of incredible comfort during this unimaginably difficult time. From the pink lights illuminating Sefton and Liverpool, to the pink bows, flowers, balloons, cards, and candles left in her memory, we have been overwhelmed by the kindness and compassion shown to our family. The response from Southport, the whole of Liverpool, and even further afield has deeply touched our hearts, and we are so grateful to everyone who has reached out to us.
We want to acknowledge our older daughter, Genie, who witnessed the attack and managed to escape. She has shown such incredible strength and courage, and we are so proud of her. Her resilience is a testament to the love and bond she shared with her little sister, and we will continue to support her as we navigate this painful journey together as a family.
Our thoughts are also with everyone else involved in this tragedy and all those who were injured. We hope that they find strength and healing in the days ahead. To the children who witnessed this terrible event, we send our love and hope that they too can begin to heal, surrounded by the care and support of those who love them.
To the emergency services, who acted with such care and professionalism on that terrible day: thank you. Your support has continued as you have looked after our family with compassion and dedication, and we will forever be grateful for the way you have helped us through this harrowing time.
To our community, friends, and strangers who have shown us such love: thank you. Your messages, your tributes, and your presence have meant the world to us and have helped us find some solace in our grief. We are also thinking of Elsie and Alice’s families, who are sharing in this unimaginable loss, and we hold them close in our hearts.
Our hearts are broken, but we find some comfort in knowing that Bebe was so deeply loved by all who knew her. She will forever be our shimmering star, and we will carry her with us in everything we do.
With love and gratitude,
Lauren, Ben, and Genie
Photo (from left): Ben King, Bebe King, Lauren King and Genie King