Southport dads receive special BBC Sports Personality of the Year award
Two dads who lost their daughters during the horrific Southport attack in July 2024 have been awarded a top prize at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025.
David Stancombe and Sergio Aguiar, the fathers of Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Alice Aguiar, 9, who were killed at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class at the Hart Space, received the Helen Rollason Award for their incredible fundraising efforts at the London Marathon in April.
The money raised by the pair contributed to major projects set up in the memory of their daughters and six-year-old Bebe King, who was also killed in the attack.
Alice’s father Sergio raised funds to build a new playground at Churchtown Primary School, where Alice and Bebe were pupils, while David Stancombe ran for Elsie's Story.
Sergio and David were presented with their award by former Robbie Fowler and John Bishop, with Elsie’s father saying: “I'm very grateful to accept the award tonight but I'm just a dad keeping a promise to his little girl.”
Alice’s dad, Sergio, added: "I want to dedicate this award to our three girls: Alice, Elsie and Bebe. Keep dancing.
"I want to spread Alice's magic across the world. I am going to keep running and raising money for her foundation."
The awards ceremony also saw Rory McIlroy crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year, while Armand Duplantis was voted the World Sports Star of the year.
BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year was awarded to 19-year-old Michelle Agyemang who was England’s breakout star on their road to Women’s Euros glory, while Sarina Wiegman was named Coach of the Year.
Legendary footballer Thierry Henry was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award and the European Ryder Cup Team won the Team of the Year Award.