A dance teacher shares her heart-wrenching experience following a tragic attack that claimed the lives of three young girls in Southport
On July 29 last year, a young man entered the venue with a knife. He attacked children and adults, leaving three young girls dead. Leanne was injured while trying to protect her students.
She often wonders how she can live with the knowledge that she survived while others didn’t. It’s a heavy burden to carry.
Leanne described the attack as a nightmare that robbed her of her sense of safety and purpose. She now has scars, both physical and emotional, that remind her of that day.
Another instructor, Heidi Liddle, felt helpless during the attack. She didn’t know how many kids were hurt or where they were. The fear and isolation were overwhelming.
A father shared his daughter’s bravery after she survived the attack. She said she wished she hadn’t been there, but also felt proud to have possibly saved others.
A 14-year-old survivor recalled the terror of that day. She described the attacker’s eyes as “possessed” and remembered screaming for her friends to escape.
Despite healing physically, the emotional scars remain. Survivors are left grappling with the trauma of that day, questioning what they could have done differently.
The community continues to support each other as they navigate the aftermath of this tragedy. It’s a long road to recovery, but they’re determined to heal together.
