Nearly two years after the horrific stabbing attack at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club in Southport, five of the surviving girls have met again. What looked like an ordinary playdate to outsiders was an emotional reunion for parents, who described the moment as seeing their daughters' courage and bond renewed.
On 29 July 2024, a hooded teenager, Axel Rudakubana, attacked the gathering, murdering three girls and critically injuring several others. The survivors, some of primary school age, displayed extraordinary bravery, shielding friends and helping others escape despite being stabbed themselves.
One girl, Daisy (not her real name), was stabbed 33 times and lost her entire blood volume. After waking from a coma, she was reunited with Amber, whom she had shielded. Their mothers described the joy of seeing them wearing matching Lilo & Stitch nightdresses in hospital. Daisy's mother expressed heartbreak that the girls' heroism had been overlooked.
Amber had attended the event with her older sister Bethany, who shielded her from blows and suffered multiple wounds. Their mother said Bethany saved Amber's life that day. Another survivor, Bella, was stabbed three times but escaped; she would have died without the chance presence of a Midlands air ambulance nearby.
The parents spoke of their daughters' resilience and the slow recovery from physical and emotional scars. The reunion gave them hope, as the girls twirled to Harry Styles and practised pilates, finding joy again in each other's company.
