Nursery teacher’s climb to help Southport business
Nursery teacher Sarah Higgins will climb Mount Snowden to support a Southport business that has remained close since the stabbing tragedy in which three young girls were killed. Andrew Brown reports
A Southport nursery teacher is preparing to climb Mount Snowdon in Wales to support a local business which has been closed since the tragedy in which three girls died.
Sarah Higgins is taking on the challenge to help Master Car Body Repairs, which is situated opposite the Hart Space where a knife attack on Monday, July 29, saw three young girls killed – Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine. Several other girls and adults were also injured.
Axel Rudakubana, from Banks near Southport, faces three murder charges, 10 attempted murder charges and a charge of possession of a bladed article. It is likely he will stand trial early in 2025.
Hart Street has been closed ever since as a crime investigation continues, with Merseyside Police not yet indicating when the road might reopen.
Sarah said: “After seeing the devastation that one evil act has put up on a community, families and businesses close by I am climbing Snowdon to raise some money to help Master Car Body Repairs back on their feet.
“They have had to remain closed whilst the investigation goes underway.
“Their workers have been left without an income but also left traumatised and also some to charities who offer counselling as I feel people should be allowed as much counselling as they need and not have to pay for it or be on waiting lists.
“Even just £1 can make a huge difference, so please click the link to donate or share the link if you can.
“I’m a nursery teacher so I can’t imagine the fear those children and adults must have felt. Even me doing this helps just a little bit, it’s better than nothing.
“Children shouldn’t be made to feel scared to go out and businesses shouldn’t have to suffer because of one person’s horrendous actions.”
Master Car Body Repairs owner Colin Parry said: “I’m trying to find the right words to thank everyone who has given me, my work colleagues, and most of all the little girls and their families, unparalleled support throughout this past week.
“You have all helped us with your wonderful comments, we truly all feel overwhelmed with love. It has been a week full of nightmares, flashbacks and tears, and also for us, concern that we remain closed while the investigation continues, keeping the road section closed, with no access.
“This isn’t about us, we as a team know that the horrific tragedy of what has happened here is paramount. We send our deepest condolences to the families and their friends who have lost their precious little girls.
“And all of the other families and little princesses who were attacked and recovering we hear you in our dreams believe me. The emergency services were swift and in great numbers. Absolutely amazing thank you guys.
“So a massive thank you all for your texts, calls and posts you have definitely brightened our darkest moments.”