Two Taylor Swift fans, Cristina Jones and Holly Goldring, have successfully raised over $100,000 in less than 24 hours to help those affected by a mass stabbing in Southport, England. The fundraiser, “Swifties for Southport,” was launched after a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance and yoga class left three children dead and several others critically injured. The online fundraiser was set up through a Just Giving page affiliated with the Taylor Swift UK & EU Facebook group to provide support for families impacted by the tragedy that occurred in the town near Liverpool.
The fundraising page not only aims to raise money for those affected by the tragedy but also pays tribute to the victims and offers support to their families during this difficult time. The statement on the page mentions that every donation goes directly to a verified charity to help those impacted by the tragedy. The page includes a note saying “Forever and always, thank you,” referencing a track from Swift’s 2008 album, Fearless. Cristina Jones, one of the fundraisers, expressed that they were compelled to act due to the unimaginable suffering the families are currently experiencing and that it feels rewarding to have made a positive impact during this tragic time.
Taylor Swift, who is known for her connection with her fans, expressed shock and sympathy for the victims of the attack in a statement shared on Instagram. She mentioned that the victims were children attending a dance class, expressing her profound sadness and inability to convey her sympathies adequately to the affected families. Merseyside Police have released the names of the three children killed in the attack, and their families have shared heartfelt tributes for their lost loved ones. The families have requested privacy and asked not to be contacted by the media during this distressing time.
The suspect involved in the attack, a 17-year-old male, was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder and remains in custody. The suspect is from Cardiff, Wales, 200 miles away from Southport, where the attack took place. Due to legal reasons, the suspect’s name cannot be disclosed. The families of the victims and the community at large are still reeling from the shock of this senseless act of violence. The fundraising efforts by the Taylor Swift fans have shown a remarkable outpouring of support and solidarity for those affected, demonstrating the power of a united community in times of tragedy. The Swifties’ initiative has provided a beacon of hope and assistance to the families grappling with the aftermath of the devastating incident.
