In a poignant tribute to their daughters, Sergio Aguiar and David Stancombe, fathers of two of the three young girls tragically killed in the Southport stabbing incident, completed the London Marathon. The event, held on April 27, 2025, saw the duo running in memory of Alice Da Silva Aguiar, nine, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, who were among the victims of the July 29, 2024, attack during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class.

The marathon was not just a test of physical endurance but a deeply emotional journey for both fathers. Aguiar, running alongside teachers from Churchtown Primary School, where his daughter and another victim, Bebe King, six, attended, aimed to raise funds for a new playground. Stancombe, on the other hand, ran to support Elsie's Story, a charitable trust established in his daughter's memory. Their participation was a testament to their resilience and the unbreakable bond between parents and their children.

Support for the runners was overwhelming, with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressing his admiration for their courage. The families of the victims, including Bebe King's parents, were present to cheer on Aguiar and Stancombe, showcasing a united front in the face of unimaginable loss. The marathon became a symbol of hope and remembrance, with the fathers drawing strength from the thought of their daughters being with them every step of the way.

As the runners crossed the finish line, the emotions were palpable. Aguiar, overcome with emotion, fell to the ground, while Stancombe flashed a thumbs up, a gesture of triumph over tragedy. Their efforts not only honored the memory of their daughters but also brought attention to the causes they were running for, ensuring that the legacy of Alice, Elsie, and Bebe will continue to inspire and make a difference in the lives of others.

Families of the 29 victims killed in the 1994 Chinook helicopter crash are escalating their decades-long fight for answers, preparing to deliver a petition with more than 47,000 signatures to Downing Street demanding a public inquiry. The Chinook Justice Campaign has published 110 "critical questions" they want answered about the tragedy that claimed the lives of 25 intelligence experts and four special forces crew members when the aircraft crashed on the Mull of Kintyre on June 2, 1994.

The campaign comes after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer rejected calls for a judge-led inquiry into the incident, prompting families to declare they will "see the UK government in court." Among those delivering the petition on Tuesday are brothers Andy and Matt Tobias from Watford, whose father John Tobias was killed in the crash. The petition delivery will be accompanied by an attempt to deliver a letter directly to the Ministry of Defence.

Central to the families' concerns are questions about mission authorization, aircraft selection, and whether those on board were properly warned of risks. The campaign has gained momentum amid revelations that key documents related to the crash have been sealed until 2094—a century after the incident occurred. David Hill, technical expert for the Chinook Justice Campaign, characterized the government's position as "a betrayal by the state of them and their loved ones."

The crash investigation has followed a contentious path over the past three decades. Initial findings blamed pilot error for the tragedy, but this conclusion was overturned in 2011. The continuing secrecy surrounding the incident has drawn criticism from campaigners who argue it "undermines trust not only in the MoD but in the government itself." As families prepare to confront the government directly, the case represents one of Britain's longest-running military accountability battles.