Rory McIlroy was moved to tears at this evening’s BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony in Salford whilst honouring the fathers of two children killed in last summer’s Southport tragedy.
The Northern Irish golfer, widely tipped to claim the prestigious award following his remarkable Masters victory, became visibly overcome with emotion during the live broadcast.
The poignant moment came shortly after Sergio Aguiar and David Stancombe were presented with the Helen Rollason Award for their extraordinary efforts in completing the London Marathon earlier this year.
Both men ran the 26.2-mile course to commemorate their daughters, who lost their lives in the devastating attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop.
Rory McIlroy became emotional after paying tribute to the ‘inspirational’ fathers
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BBC
Aguiar and Stancombe were honoured for raising funds through their marathon efforts in April, creating lasting tributes to their daughters Alice da Silva Aguiar, aged nine, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, who was seven.
The two girls perished alongside six-year-old Bebe King when Axel Rudakubana carried out his attack at the Southport dance class in July 2024.
The Helen Rollason Award, established in memory of the BBC Sport presenter who passed away from cancer in 1999, celebrates remarkable achievement in the face of adversity.
Former Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler and comedian John Bishop presented the honour to the grieving fathers during the ceremony.
When host Clare Balding enquired how fatherhood had altered his perspective on his sporting achievements, McIlroy found himself struggling to compose his words.
The fathers of the young girls who were murdered at Southport ran the London Marathon to commemorate their daughters
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PA
“I think as being a father of a little girl, seeing Alice’s and Elsie’s dad up there tonight – they are two absolute heroes,” the golfer said, pausing as he blinked away tears whilst the audience applauded.
After gathering himself, he continued: “Being a dad, it makes the losses easier, but it also makes the wins even more special.
“So to share that with Erica and Poppy [is special].”
His young daughter Poppy had been present at Augusta when he secured his historic Masters triumph.
Rory McIlroy’s daughter Poppy is one of his biggest fans
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The bereaved fathers delivered deeply moving speeches upon accepting their award.
Aguiar expressed his gratitude, saying: “Thank you everyone for the award it means a lot to me, my wife, and my princess Alice.
“I want to dedicate this award to our three girls: Alice, Elsie and Bebe. Keep dancing.”
He pledged to continue spreading his daughter’s legacy worldwide through ongoing fundraising efforts.
David Stancombe and Sergio Aguiar đź‘Ź
This year’s Helen Rollason award goes to two dads who are creating a lasting legacy to honour their daughters, who were killed in the Southport attack. pic.twitter.com/k2TftPqbIg
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) December 18, 2025
Stancombe spoke of fulfilling a promise to his child, stating: “I’m very grateful to accept the award tonight but I’m just a dad keeping a promise to his little girl.
“Elsie wanted me to run the London Marathon and I did.”
