Heartwarming update in Southport tragedy as Alice Da Silva’s parents raise funds for dance stage in little star’s memory

Dad Sergio is also running the London Marathon to help raise £250k for a playground at Churchtown Primary in Southport

The nine-year-old was killed along with Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class last summer. 

Her ­grieving parents spoke to BBC Breakfast yesterday in their first TV interview on camera.

Looking at architect’s plans of the playground, mum Alex, 34, explained: “She joined baby ballet, then she was in the academy. I think she was born to be a star. The stage would be her favourite part.

“For us it’s really important to make this happen. She would be happy, I’m sure she’s proud of us doing this.”

Dad Sergio is running the London Marathon in April to help raise £250,000 for the playground at Churchtown Primary in Southport, Merseyside.

He said: “I’m running not just for Alice but everyone affected by last year’s tragedy.

“This playground is exactly the sort of place which Alice would have loved.”

Plans include a performance area, climbing frames, library and a memorial carved into a beam dedicating the facility to Alice and Bebe, who had been at the school.

Alice’s favourite teacher Alan Bowen said: “Every single minute of every play time and break time, she’d have been on that stage.”

Headteacher Jinnie Payne is running the marathon with Sergio. She said: “We’ll be holding Alice and Bebe in our hearts, and they’ll be powering us on towards the finish line.”