Community Foundation for Merseyside launches fundraising appeal for those affected by the Southport knife attack which has claimed the lives of three children and left others critically injured. Tony McDonough reports

A fundraising appeal has been launched to support those affected by the Southport knife attack which has left three children dead.

This urgent appeal has been organised by the Community Foundation for Merseyside, in partnership with Sefton Council and Sefton CVS.

The Southport Strong Together Appeal, which has already received its first donation of £50,000 from the Liverpool ONE Foundation, will help to meet the immediate and longer-term needs of those affected by the tragedy.

Near the end of a Taylor Swift-themed dance and yoga event in Hart Street in Southport on Monday, July 29, a person with a knife entered the premises and carried out what Merseyside Police described as a “ferocious” knife attack.

Six-year-old Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe, aged seven, and nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar, were revealed to have died from their injuries. Eight more children were injured, with five in a critical condition, Two adults also suffered critical injuries.

Axel Rudakubana, age 17, from Banks near Southport, appeared at Liverpool Magistrates on Wednesday, August 1. He was told he faces three murder charges, 10 attempted murder charges and a charge of possession of a bladed article.

A plea and trial preparation hearing has been set for October 25 at Liverpool Crown Court, with Rudakubana remanded in youth custody.

Rae Brooke, chief executive of the Community Foundation for Merseyside, said: “We cannot change the devastating events that have unfolded in our community, or reverse the grief and pain that so many will be feeling.

“But we can make a difference to those whose lives have been affected. We are launching the Southport Strong Together Appeal to raise funds for the children and adults directly involved, their loved ones and the wider community.”

• To donate to the #SouthportStrongTogetherAppeal click here or text SOUTHPORT followed by your donation amount to 70085.
• Texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message, and you’ll be opting into hearing more from the appeal. If you’d like to donate but don’t wish to hear more from, text SOUTHPORTNOINFO instead.

Marion Atkinson, Leader of Sefton Council, added: “It is clear that the public is looking for ways they can help those affected by the heart-breaking events that took place in Southport.

“The Southport Strong Together Appeal is offering the public a trusted place to show that support. Their donations will ensure help can be offered to those affected as quickly as possible in a range of ways.”

Donations to the Southport Strong Together Appeal will help to provide support to those affected in a range of ways.

They will be offered as charitable gifts to those who have lost loved ones, or sustained physical or psychological injuries, and also awarded as grants to local and regional charities providing vital support services to those affected.

Angela White, chief executive of Sefton CVS, also said: “The Southport Strong Together Appeal offers a way for the local community and wider UK public to come together to signal their solidarity and support for those affected by the attack.

“Donations will not only help to meet the immediate needs of those impacted, but will ensure we can put vital services in place for longer-term care, such as mental health support.”