Being together brings us closer to our girls

The families of three girls killed at a dance class in Southport last year say spending time together has helped them get through their grief.

A small team of journalists from BBC Breakfast have been following the families for the last nine months. A documentary to be shown on BBC One on Tuesday.

In this book, they tell how they suffered for their daughters and how they established legacy projects in their name.

“We were in some of the toughest conversations together,” says Elsie’s mother, Jenni Stancombe. “But when the six of us are together, it always seems like we’re turning out the light [of the darkness]”

Seven-year-old Elsie, nine-year-old Alice da Silva Aguiar and six-year-old Bebe King, Taylor Swift died at themed dance workshop In July 2024.

Over nine months, the BBC recorded in-depth personal interviews with the girls’ parents, who shared family footage of their daughters for the first time.

The program tells the story of how three families set out to leave a lasting legacy in their daughters’ names. It shows how They trained for and competed in the London Marathon also the opening of a new playground at the school attended by the two girls.

The families did not know each other before the tragedy, but Bebe’s mother, Lauren King, says their coming together since their deaths has been “crucial to our survival” and a “blessing.”

“We can talk about our girls and the similarities,” she says, reflecting on the girls’ shared love of dance and performance.

“I feel closer to Alice when I’m with them,” says Alice’s mother, Alexandra Aguiar. “I feel more connected to girls.”

Ms Stancombe added: “I will never forget Alex telling me that Alice was a real mother figure and that she would be a mother. [Elsie and Bebe]wherever they are. “I promise you he will take care of them,” he said.

The documentary includes home videos of the girls talking and laughing. In one, Elsie says: “You don’t have to buy the smile, just lift your face.”

Using Elsie’s attitude towards tumbling as an example, her father David Stancombe adds: “Once she focused on something, she was determined to master it.”

In another clip, Alice says as she films herself: “Hello, it’s me!” Describing his daughter, Sergio Aguiar explains that Alice was not walking anywhere, but “dancing.”

A clip of Bebe shows her wandering around the house wearing a large hat and backpack. His family says he lit up every room he entered. “He was completely selfless,” his father, Ben King, adds.

Families also tell us how much they looked forward to their daughter’s dance workshop before she died. “I saw [the class] and I booked it as a surprise,” says Ms King.

“Alice knew all the songs, she was singing and dancing [to them]” says Ms. Aguiar.

“That’s the reason for this Taylor Swift-themed lesson [Elsie] gone,” adds Ms. Stancombe. “She just went dancing and making bracelets; And he never came home.”

Mr and Mrs Stancombe tell the BBC of their shared pain when they met the Aguiar and King families for the first time.

“I felt their pain when I first met them. This saddens us. [to know]” says Mrs. Stancombe – her voice breaks – “what they are going through,” her husband adds.

“Although we wish we hadn’t met under these circumstances, we are so glad we did,” Ms. King says.

“We try to support each other,” Mr. Aguiar says. His wife agrees: “We are all different, but very special to each other.”

Past projects created for each of the girls include Alice’s Wonderful Dance, made by the Aguiars to support young artists with uniforms, lessons and transportation.

The Stancombes created Elsie’s Story, a charity that donates money to help young people and support others in the Southport area.

One of the projects they helped fund is Bebe’s Hive, a creative center founded by the Kings that offers support to bereaved children.

“I think something comes into play when we come together, like we’re protected,” Mr. King says. His wife adds: “We supported each other and gained a family.”