Nearly £25,000 has already been raised for the family of six-year-old Bebe King, whose mother works for a major UK agency and tour operator brand. TTG has chosen not to identify her and her family directly, or her employer.
A fundraising page set up by Roni Bladon and signed off by "Helen, Karen, Sarah, Kirsty and Claire" had attracted almost 1,000 donations by 10am on Wednesday (31 July), amounting to £24,808 in donations. Its target is £25,000.
The appeal has been shared on social media by a number of travel trade professionals over the past 24 hours, attracting dozens of heartfelt messages of support and condolence.
Those behind the appeal described Bebe as a "vibrant and joyful" six-year-old girl, "who touched the lives of everyone around here". "Her sudden departure has left a void words cannot fill, and our hearts ache for her family during this incredibly difficult time," read a message from them.
"In the wake of this unimaginable loss, Bebe’s parents need time to grieve, heal and begin the long journey of coping with their sorrow. The last thing they should be worried about right now is the pressure of returning to work and managing financial responsibilities.
"We are reaching out to you, our community, to come together and support Bebe’s family. Your donations will provide them with the necessary time to mourn and heal without the added stress of financial burdens. All of the money will go to the family. Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support."
Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, were also killed in the attack. Another eight children were injured, five critically, along with two adults, who also suffered critical injuries.
A 17-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder. The attack is not being treated as terror-related at this stage, according to Merseyside Police.
Bebe’s family paid tribute to their daughter in a message shared with police, which read: "No words can describe the devastation that has hit our family as try to deal with the loss of our little girl Bebe."
Anyone wishing to contribute to the fundraising effort for Bebe’s family should visit the appeal’s GoFundMe page.
