by Hundreds of mourners gathered for the funeral of “dream child” Alice da Silva Aguiar, who was killed in a supermarket at a dance class in Southport.
Family and friends of nine-year-old Sergio and Alexandra gathered together at Patrick’s Catholic Church in the town.
Also paying their respects was Serena Kennedy, Chief Constable of Merseyside Police, along with uniformed officers from the police, ambulance and fire services.
Members of the public lined Marshside Road as the funeral cortege arrived, accompanied by around 30 uniformed police officers.
Pink ribbons and balloons were tied to lampposts and garden walls.
Applause erupted as the carriage pulled by two white horses with orange and white plumes and carrying the young man’s white coffin, approached the entrance of the church.
Hundreds of people came into the church and more listened outside as the service was played on loudspeakers.
In an address to their daughter given on her behalf, Alice’s parents said: “Dear Alice, you were our perfect dream child, everything was beautiful from the moment you arrived.
“A good girl, with strong values and a kind nature. Love animals and environmentalism in manufacturing. You moved our world with your confidence and compassion. Fun energetic, friendly, and always so respectful.
“It was a privilege to be around you, we cherished every milestone. You finished us.
“In nine short years we never needed time off from you. We didn’t give up our time for anything that didn’t involve you too.
“And if we did, we’d always do it separately so one of us could always be next to you.”
They continued: “We feel horror, unimaginable pain, we miss you.
“From time to time, the pin falls. When mom says ‘good night, Sergio, good night Alice’ and then it hits us again. We won’t hear you back.
“It will be difficult to move on. Some days are better than others, but none will be perfect.
“We are weak sometimes and say wild things. But we made a promise that we would always be there for each other in times of despair, a pink promise.
“We have a strong bond and will always rely on each other. We will not be alone.
“We are surrounded by a wonderful community with their full support, family and friends, neighbours, work colleagues, the wonderful men and women who serve the community, your school, your church and all your friends and parents.
“We have the full support of the country and we have the privilege of doubling that. So we are grateful.
“Until now, our beloved Angel, keep us dancing, mommy and daddy will always love you.”
Parish priest Fr John Heneghan said Alice regularly attended Mass at St Patrick’s and noted that she had a “smile brighter than the sun”.
Head of youth at Templetown Primary School, Jinnie Payne, listed Alice’s smile as one of her “seven qualities”.
She said: “Number one, have a big smile. Without a big smile, there is a difference. Alice wore a natural smile every day, it wasn’t forced and it wasn’t forced.
“He was everywhere she went. He was her best friend.
“Number two, polite and respectful. Alice’s manners took her everywhere. She showed politeness, not just ‘thank you’, but always ‘thank you’ and a reason for it.
“Number three, to be interested in other people, genuinely interested and curious. Alice asked a lot of questions and remembered things about you.
“She remembered your children’s names, she remembered where you went on holiday, so you had to be very careful what you said to Alice.
“Number four, equality, I love this one. This has to be my favorite, because a child so young could not favor one friend over another.
“Her friends, she played fair with them all. That’s hard to do, and she’s mastered it.
“(Number five), enthusiasm for life. Alice wanted to do everything that was available and she took those opportunities and you (her parents) gave them to Alice.
“But as well as those opportunities there is number six. She provided support and guidance. So if she felt that things weren’t up to her standard she would tell you, and then help you put it right.
“Finally, number seven is family. Alice’s words, ‘it doesn’t matter who your family is as long as they love each other’, and Alice did that.”
The Chief Constable told the community: “You (Alice’s parents) have shown great courage in asking me to be here today to deliver a message from you, Alice’s family, that you do not want any more violence. the streets. of the United Kingdom in your daughter’s name.
“I am ashamed and so sorry that you even had to consider this when planning the funeral of your beautiful daughter, Alice.
“And I hope that anyone who took part in the violent disorder on our streets over the past 13 days hangs their heads in shame for the pain they have caused you, my grieving people.
“I know you asked that there is no more violence and that you are now given time as a family to grieve in peace, and that our traumatized community is given time to heal, the time it needs to begin to heal.”
Southport Labor MP Patrick Hurley said: “There are no adequate words to express the shock and distress of the town at what happened to Alice and the other little girls two weeks ago.”
Sara Madruga da Costa offered thanks for the efforts of the United Kingdom authorities in response to the tragedy on behalf of the Portuguese authorities.
Earlier this week Alice’s parents attended a celebration of life service at St Patrick’s for Alice which is traditional in her native Portugal one week after a loved one has died.
Alice, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, were all killed in the attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on July 29.
Eight other children were injured in the attack, all of whom have now been released from hospital and are recovering at home.
