Family of Southport attack victim Elsie Dot pay tribute to ‘incredible little girl’ | UK News

Her family paid tribute to the “amazing little girl” ahead of her funeral, which they want to call Elsie’s Special Day.

They said in a statement released by police: “Elsie embraced life and it is with positivity, hope and love that we celebrate her life today, August 23, on Elsie’s special day.

“Elsie spent every day simply enjoying life with determination, perseverance, love and kindness.

“Elsie was an incredible little girl. She had the ability to light up any room she walked into, she was truly unforgettable.

She loved to dance and needless to say she was a devoted “Swiftie”, she was always up for anything and tried every activity, we all went. She found her true passion in cheerleading, her weekly classes couldn’t come fast enough.

“Her perseverance was admirable, whether it was completing a 3km run or a 10km charity walk for her local hospice, or progressing through book groups at school, everything she did she gave 100% and never gave up.

“Our family motto is: ‘As long as you do your best, enjoy yourself and have fun, nothing else matters.’

“We are the four best friends in the whole world” – and that mantra will stay with us for the rest of our lives, knowing that Elsie is here with us and will forever be in our hearts.

“Elsie brought light, love and joy to so many lives and this was evident in the overwhelming response from all who knew her and from all members of the community.

“We will always be grateful for the love and support we have received over the past few weeks and we are and will continue to be proud to call Southport home.

“To that end, Elsie’s legacy will continue and as a family we will ensure that her impact and legacy lives on with positivity and hope and with Elsie by our side forever and ever.”

Axel Rudakubana, now 18, has been charged with the murder of three girls and the attempted murders of two adults, yoga teacher Leanne Lucas and businessman John Hayes, as well as the attempted murders of eight other children.