THE heartbroken family of Southport stabbing victim Elsie Dot Stancombe have paid an emotional tribute ahead of her funeral today.
Elsie, seven, was stabbed to death along with Bebe King, six, and Alice Da Silva Aguiar, nine, at a Taylor Swift-themed class in Southport on July 29.
Today, the little girl’s family are celebrating ‘Elsie’s Special Day’ in her memory.
In a heart-wrenching statement, the family said: “Elsie embraced life and it is with positivity, hope and love that we celebrate her life today, 23rd August, on ‘Elsie’s Special Day’.
“Elsie spent every day just simply enjoying life with determination, persistence, love and kindness.
“Elsie was an amazing little girl. She had the ability to light up any room that she entered, she was truly unforgettable.
“She loved to dance, and it goes without saying she was a devoted ‘Swiftie’, she was always up for anything and gave every activity a go, we went to them all.
“She found her real passion in cheerleading, her weekly classes couldn’t come around quick enough.
“Her persistence was admirable, from completing a 3k run and 10k charity walk for her local hospice, as well as moving up books bands in school, everything she did she gave 100% and would never give up.
“Our family affirmation is ‘as long as you try your best, enjoy yourself and have fun, nothing else matters’.
“‘We are the four best friends in the whole wide world’ – and that mantra will remain with us for the rest of our lives, sound in the knowledge that Elsie is here with us and forever will be in our hearts.
“Elsie has brought light, love and joy to so many lives and it has been clear to us in the overwhelming response from everybody that knew her and everybody within the community.
“We will be always be grateful for the love and support we have had over these past weeks and we are and will continue to be proud to live in Southport.
“To that end, Elsie’s legacy will continue and as a family we will ensure that her impact and legacy endures with positivity and hope and with Elsie by our side forever and always.”
The funeral details were released yesterday as King Charles met the families of Bebe, Elsie Dot and Alice at Clarence House in London.
Following her death, Elsie’s dad told colleagues his daughter he wanted them to know “just how wonderful a little girl and loving daughter Elsie was.
“She was the most polite young girl you could ever meet and was loved by everyone – she lit up every room she entered. Elsie was chosen to be a part of every single school play and was also a member of the school council.”
King Charles visited Southport to show his support to the grieving families of all the victims and the residents of the usually peaceful town.
