Elsie and my daughter Bella were each other’s first besties at nursery. They both attended Natterjacks in Ainsdale, and they were as thick as thieves. They both hit it off from day one. They would potter round in heels and dresses like girly girls but Elsie also had a wicked sense of humour and she could be very much the orchestrator of fun. As you could imagine, with the girls being so close, we became good friends with David and Jen, Elsies mum and dad.

Although the girls went to different primary schools after nursey, they kept in touch and we would regularly meet up and go to the park, to the beach, through the woods on adventures and they always made sure they attended each other’s birthday parties…. A particular favourite party was in keeping with their girly girl theme, at marshmallow manor which is a spa for kids. They had a ball, making mocktails and having a mani, pedi!

On 29th July 2024, Elsie was tragically taken from David and Jen and all of her family and friends in the attack on the Taylor Swift dance class.

This affected everyone in Southport, nobody expected anything like this to happen on our doorstep. This moment changed lives forever. David and Jen have acted with nothing, but class and dignity and I know that they will continue to do so as they get through each day.

David and Jen have set up a charitable trust in Elsies name called Elsie’s story with the idea of spreading love, kindness and joy the way Elsie did. The charity will give back to the children and community of Southport, turning heartbreak in to hope, ensuring that smiles as big as Elsies shine on in the lives of others.