The city of Liverpool came together in a powerful display of recognition and solidarity at the inaugural Guide Liverpool Heroes Awards, held at The Titanic Hotel. The event marked the publication's 10th anniversary as a cornerstone of local media, transforming the celebration into a night dedicated to honouring the region's most inspirational figures.
Standing Ovation for Unimaginable Courage
The most profound moment of the evening saw a standing ovation greet the families of Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe, and Alice Da Silva Aguiar. The three young girls tragically lost their lives in Southport in August last year. Each family was presented with a Special Award to acknowledge the extraordinary courage and resilience they have shown in the face of unimaginable loss.
The award was presented by former Chief Constable of Merseyside, Serena Kennedy, and served as the emotional climax of the evening. Rather than retreating, the families have channelled their grief into powerful forces for good, establishing lasting legacies for their daughters.
Building Legacies of Love and Support
In memory of their little girls, each family has founded a dedicated charity aimed at helping others. Bebe's Hive provides crucial grief support services specifically for children. Elsie's Story focuses on delivering medical care, hosting community events, and offering bereavement support for children and families. Alice's WonderDance Foundation creates joy and opportunity through dance programs, resources, and community events for those who need it most.
These initiatives represent a remarkable commitment to transforming personal tragedy into community hope, ensuring the girls' spirits live on by making a tangible difference in the lives of others.
Celebrating Liverpool's Wider Heroes
The Guide Liverpool Heroes 2025 ceremony also celebrated a wide array of other local champions. The winners across various categories included:
- The Inspiration Award: Mark King OBE for the Oliver King Foundation.
- Liverpool City Region Superhero: Speedo Mick.
- Child of Courage: Jessica Dowle, Henry Brammer, Zachary Kewley, and a posthumous award for Maximus 'Mighty Max' Johnson.
- Charity of the Year: Claire House Children's Hospice.
- Emergency Services Award: North West Air Ambulance.
- Community Hero: Fans Supporting Foodbanks.
- Unsung Hero: John Hughes.
Other winners recognised on the night covered fields from sustainability, with Zero Waste Liverpool winning, to sport, community projects, and fundraising. The event successfully shone a light on the diverse and dedicated individuals and groups who work tirelessly to improve life across the Liverpool City Region.
The evening perfectly encapsulated The Guide Liverpool's role as a community beacon, blending tears of remembrance with joy in celebration, and ultimately highlighting the incredible strength and compassion that defines the region.
