Diogo Jota’s heartwarming message of support to father of Southport stabbing victim as he ran London Marathon in her memory

Late Liverpool star Diogo Jota has been characterised as a kind and humble soul in the hours since he died in a horrifying crash on a Spanish dual carriageway.

But the 28-year-old Portuguese forward’s capacity for compassion was probably best exemplified earlier this year with a simple gesture of good luck for a fellow father – albeit one in a situation no parent would ever want to be in.

Sergio Aguiar, the father of nine-year-old Southport stabbing victim Alice da Silva Aguiar, was gearing up to run the London Marathon in his daughter’s memory, raising funds for a playground to be built in her name at her school.

Running 26 miles is hard enough – not least in the tragic circumstances in which Sergio, who is also Portuguese, found himself.

But in the weeks ahead of the marathon, late Liverpool and one-time Porto FC forward Jota took the time to prepare a special message for Sergio – which was broadcast to him as a surprise live on television.

Appearing on BBC Breakfast in March, one month before the race, Sergio told the programme that he was raising the funds for Churchtown Primary School because it had been a ‘second home’ to her.

‘People are so kind,’ Sergio had said of the local community in Southport in the months after the shocking and devastating attack which unfolded last August.

‘They come up to me and say, “Well done, the playground will be amazing”.’

Sergio Aguiar, father of Alice da Silva Aguiar, was lost for words as one of his sporting heroes wished him luck ahead of the gruelling challenge

Little Alice, nine, was one of three victims of the nightmarish attack at a summer dance class in Southport last August 

However, he probably had not expected to hear from one of his heroes, whose name is emblazoned on a Porto FC shirt he keeps at home, as the interview ended.

Jota, alongside fellow Portuguese footballer and Everton striker Beto, had prepared messages to be played to Sergio live on air.

‘Many, many people are supporting you, from all walks of life,’ presenter Charlie Stayt told him. 

‘You’re going to hear from two people who have good-luck messages for you, two footballers you will know who are both Portuguese.’

Jota – himself a father of three children – then appeared on screen. 

Filming from Liverpool’s training facilities on his phone, he smiled warmly as he said: ‘Hello Sergio, I just heard you were about to run the London Marathon for an amazing cause.’

Raising his fist and grinning, he added: ‘We are all with you here at Liverpool, so go on and do your best!’

Beto, speaking in Portuguese, added: ‘Beto here from Everton. I want to send you a message to wish you best of luck for the London Marathon. 

‘What you are doing is fantastic and we hope the training is going well. You have all of the support from everyone at Everton. Take care and best of luck.’

Porto FC fan Sergio was gobsmacked to hear from one of his heroes, grinning as the messages were played out.

He was lost for words for a few seconds as he was asked for his reaction.

Smiling, he said: ‘I didn’t expect to hear from them. Jota is… because I’m a Porto fan, and he played for Porto, I have his t-shirt. I’m quite happy.’

Alongside David Stancombe, father of Southport attack victim Elsie Dot Stancombe, Sergio ran the London Marathon in April with the support of the nation behind them.

Wearing a t-shirt bearing his daughter’s face, he finished the gruelling race in four hours and five minutes, cheered on by friends and family, among them the parents of Bebe King.

Sergio said he was a fan of Jota from his time at Porto (pictured: Jota, right, with his brother Andre, who played for Porto’s junior side and died in the crash alongside him)

Sergio undertook gruelling training for the London Marathon – from running to taking ice baths to aid his recovery between sessions (pictured in training)

He completed the marathon in four hours and five minutes in a t-shirt bearing his daughter’s image, cheered on by family and friends

A fundraiser for a playground, library and performance stage in memory of both Alice da Silva Aguiar and Bebe King (pictured, a digital mock-up) has raised £372k against a £250k target

He told the BBC he would talk to Alice as he was out training. 

‘I tell her to keep going with me, that we’re going to do this together, you’re going to be with me – always,’ he said. 

He even incorporated ice baths into his efforts to speed up his recovery to ensure he could keep running.

Sergio also completed the Liverpool half-marathon on March 23 as part of his training, eight days after receiving the special message from Jota.

The Churchtown Primary fundraiser had a target of £250,000 when it was launched. As of July 3, it has raised £372,240 – and remains open to donations. 

Alongside the playground, it will also feature a library and a performance stage with a tribute to both Alice and bebe.

Among the donors are the Prince and Princess of Wales, according to Jinnie Payne, the headteacher at the school. One anonymous donor contributed £10,000.

Writing on social media in the days after the marathon, he wrote: ‘Still taking it all in… The London Marathon was one of the toughest challenges I’ve faced, but every step was powered by an incredible cause and the overwhelming support from all of you. 

‘Your cheers, messages, and love carried me through. Thank you from the bottom of our heart – we did this together!’