A ‘selfless’ dance teacher ‘locked children in the bathroom’ and ushered others to safety during last month’s fatal knife attack in Southport, it has emerged.
Heidi Liddle showed ‘incredible bravery’ as she ushered children out of the building during the horrific attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class at The Hart Space at around 11.55am on July 29.
Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Bebe King, six, died in the attack, which left eight other girls and two adults injured. Merseyside Police said the other children injured in the attack have all since been discharged from hospital and are recovering at home.
Axel Rudakubana, 18, from Banks, Lancashire, has been charged with three counts of murder, 10 counts of attempted murder, and possession of a bladed article.
Although Ms Liddle was ‘physically unhurt’ in the attack she is ‘absolutely devastated by what has happened’ and battling ’emotional and mental distress’ that will ‘never disappear’, a friend has revealed in a crowdfunder seeking support for the beloved dance instructor.
It comes as Ms Liddle paid tribute to her ‘long term’ student Alice at her funeral last week, describing the nine-year-old as ‘amazing’, ‘confident’ and having ‘always carried herself with poise and grace’.
Dance teacher Heidi Liddle (pictured) ‘locked children in the bathroom’ and ushered others to safety during last month’s fatal knife attack in Southport, it has emerged
In a verified GoFundMe page, friend Amanda Reid has shared how Ms Liddle’s ‘heroic’ actions during the fatal attack last month helped several children get to safety.
‘She showed incredible bravery by ushering many children out of the building to safety and even locked children in the toilet to keep them safe,’ Ms Reid wrote.
‘Although she may not agree, she is a hero. I know her thoughts are constantly with all the children and families that have been affected.’
Ms Reid, hailing her friend as ‘beautiful’ and ‘selfless’, has requested support for Ms Liddle in wake of the traumatising attack.
‘Heidi is the most kind hearted, compassionate, talented and selfless person, which is why she is such a fantastic teaching assistant and dance teacher. She is absolutely devastated by what has happened and although she was physically unhurt, the emotional and mental distress of this day will never disappear,’ Ms Reid wrote.
‘Because of this, support is needed so she can take the time she needs to heal without the added pressures of financial burdens, including that of specialist support to aid her recovery, and help provide for her young family.’
She said Ms Liddle has ‘inspired hundreds of children’ as a part-time teaching assistant and ‘passionate’ self-employed dance teacher.
Merseyside Police, pictured at the scene on July 29, said the other children injured in the attack have all since been discharged from hospital and are recovering at home
Alice da Silva Aguiar is pictured at the Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop in Southport on July 29, 2024. She and two other girls were killed at the class
he coffin of Southport attack victim Alice da Silva Aguiar is carried on a carriage after her funeral at St Patrick’s Catholic Church in Southport on August 11, 2024
She also revealed that Ms Liddle has been thankful for the supportive messages that she has received since the attack.
Ms Reid, in her plea to raise funds of the dance teacher, added: ‘Any contribution big or small is greatly appreciated and will make a huge difference in aiding her to navigate a journey of recovery.
‘Thank you for reading, for your kind words of support, your generosity and for keeping Heidi in your thoughts and prayers throughout this very difficult time. Heidi’s family and friends.’
Ms Liddle spoke at Alice’s funeral last week, paying tribute to the little girl who ‘had a smile that lit up every room that she walked into’.
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The dance teacher said Alice was ‘always so happy and confident at dancing’, The Mirror reported. She said: ‘Alice was the most beautiful, kind-hearted child, with thick dark hair that bounced as she walked, which was impossible to get in a ballet bun no matter how hard momma tried.’
Ms Liddle said she imagines that Alice is now ‘dancing, skipping among the clouds, happily singing with the angels looking down upon the crowds’.
Yoga teacher Leanne Lucas, (pictured) one of the organisers of the Taylor Swift dance event also bravely tried to protect the children from the knifeman, but was critically injured in the attack
Yoga teacher Leanne Lucas, one of the organisers of the Taylor Swift dance event also bravely tried to protect the children from the knifeman, but was critically injured in the attack.
She was released from hospital and was recovering at home, however in an update on August 15, a friend said Leanne had been readmitted to hospital.
A GoFundMe has also been created in support of Ms Lucas.
Trisha and Esther, on behalf of the Lucas family, wrote on the fundraising page: ‘Leanne had barely begun her road to recovery. Please keep her in your thoughts and continue supporting her as you have been by sharing the page and donating anything you can. Thank you all from the Lucas family.’
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