Southport resident Sergio Aguiar has been named the Sefton Charity Champion of the Year after completing six world major marathons in memory of his beloved daughter, Alice.
The award, sponsored by Halliwell Jones, was announced at the 2026 Grand Pride of Sefton Awards held at The Grand in Southport on 24 April.
In recent months, Sergio has completed marathons in Berlin, Chicago, New York, Tokyo, Boston, and London.
Throughout this journey, his wife Alexandra was by his side as they shared their love for nine-year-old Alice, who tragically died in the Southport tragedy.
Alexandra was also honoured during the evening as a finalist for her dedication and support.
Building a Legacy Through Alice’s WonderDance
The couple founded the Alice’s WonderDance Foundation to empower young people through dance programmes, wellness initiatives, and creative expression.
The foundation aims to bring joy and happiness to the lives of children, ensuring that Alice’s spirit carries on through the arts.
The community support for the couple has been immense, with many residents taking up their own running challenges to help raise funds.
One nomination for the award described Sergio’s journey as a testament to his strength:
“Alice was a ray of sunshine and joy – Sergio and his wife Alexandra, suffered the most unimaginable loss after she was taken from them.
“But they have turned their grief into a passion for helping others.
“Sergio’s strength, determination and compassion make him a worthy winner of this award.”
Transforming Southport Town Hall Gardens
Beyond the marathons, the Aguiars are working closely with the families of Elsie and Bebe, Dave and Jen Stancombe and Lauren and Ben King.
Together, the families have personally secured £10 million in funding from the Government to transform the Town Hall Gardens in Southport.
The project aims to turn the gardens into a fun, creative, and family-friendly events space filled with joy and laughter.
The goal is to create a vibrant destination that brings visitors into Southport and provides a positive space for the entire community.
The couple were unable to attend the ceremony in person as they were in London for the 2026 London Marathon.
Sergio completed the final leg of his challenge running alongside his friend, Dave Stancombe.
Their awards were collected on their behalf by their close friends Filipe Barata and Caridad Rivas.
Reflecting on the experience after crossing the finish line in London, Sergio and Alexandra Aguiar shared their gratitude:
“Carrying Alice’s name across six different cities meant everything to us.
“It wasn’t easy, especially knowing the reason behind it all, but every step was driven by love, strength, and determination.
“From day one, your support has meant everything, your donations, kind messages, the beeps on the road while Sergio was training, and everyone who stopped to chat with us. We truly couldn’t have done this without you.”
The 2026 Grand Pride of Sefton Awards, organised by Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group and Stand Up For Southport, celebrated selfless and courageous people across 13 categories.
While the main award was won by Queenscourt Hospice founder Dr Karen Groves MBE, the evening also raised vital funds for the ICU Steps charity.
Nominations for the 2027 awards are set to open ahead of next year’s event on 30 April.
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