Children’s charity thanks Taylor Swift fans for raising over £357k for Southport stabbing victims

A CHILDREN’S charity thanked Taylor Swift fans who have raised more than £357,000 for the Southport stabbing victims, calling it a “beacon of hope”.

A JustGiving page was set up after 11 kids were knifed on Monday while attending a holiday club.

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Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, was one of the three children killed in the Southport attack[/caption]

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Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, also tragically lost her life in the attack[/caption]

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Bebe King, six, was also one of the victims of the horrific knife attack[/caption]

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A mother and daughter pay tribute to the girls who lost their lives[/caption]

Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, were killed.

Pop star Taylor spoke of her shock on hearing the dance workshop featured her songs.

Fans quickly set up the Swifties of Southport charity page, which smashed its £13,000 target in less than an hour.

The money — donated by more than 21,000 people — will go to Alder Hey Children’s Charity to help victims’ families and pay funeral costs.

The organisation raises funds for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, where some victims were taken.

The charity said: “Your donations and comments are a beacon of hope.

“Thank you for embodying the spirit of Taylor’s music and turning empathy into action.”

Five children are still in hospital, but in a stable condition.