Southport knife attack surgeon honoured by King for saving children’s lives
A surgeon whose life-saving efforts were crucial in treating children injured during a stabbing attack in Southport said he was “humbled” to be included in the King’s Birthday Honors List.
Vittoria Bucknall, consultant trauma and orthopedic surgeon at Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, is set to receive a British Empire Medal (BEM) for her outstanding service to children and young people.
Ms Bucknall’s expertise was vital to the survival of many young victims following the devastating incident in July 2024.
Nine-year-old Alice da Silva Aguiar, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe and six-year-old Bebe King tragically lost their lives in the attack that took place at Taylor Swift’s dance workshop. Eight other children and two adults were also injured.
Axel Rudakubana was later sentenced to at least 52 years in prison for murder and attempted murder.
Among those Ms Bucknall helped save was the seven-year-old daughter of the person who nominated her for the honour.
The child was airlifted to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool with more than 30 stab wounds and severe bleeding. He urgently needed life-saving stabilization and underwent two grueling six-hour surgeries led by Ms Bucknall and her team.
The surgeon’s work was instrumental in preserving the function of the child’s arms and fingers, enabling a remarkable recovery that now allows the child to tumble, dance, draw and write once again.
Speaking from her home in Edinburgh, Ms Bucknall said: “I’m absolutely humbled and overwhelmed to receive the medal. It’s a bit surreal and I’m very, very honoured.”
The nominator emphasized that medical care extends far beyond typical health care and described the challenges faced as akin to a “war situation.”
They praised Ms Bucknall’s extraordinary dedication, noting her ongoing support for the family and her visits to the girl both in intensive care and as an outpatient.
