Rowlands pharmacist Joanne Matthews said she decided to raise money for the charity as “they’re going to do amazing things in Elsie’s name”. 

The charity was founded by the parents of seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe, who was one of three girls who died in the Southport knife attack last summer alongside six-year-old Bebe King, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, who was nine. 

Its aim is to continue the legacy of Elsie’s “positivity, love for others and energy of life”. 

Read more: 'It took a huge toll on myself and my family' 

Elsie’s Story offers grants to support children through activities and special experiences. 

Matthews said what Elsie’s parents were doing was “inspiring” and that she understood “how important it is to offer that same support and encouragement to young people today” having afforded “freedom and space” to her own daughters when they were growing up. 

She said: “The community spirit in Southport that I witnessed last year was completely amazing. The way that everybody came together inspired me to want to do more for the families, who are incredibly brave. 

“We're a very tight knit, close community, and I want to raise as much money as possible to support them.” 

Read more: ‘I almost died’: Pharmacist with rare condition to run London Marathon 

Matthews has set up a JustGiving page with a £1,500 target to reach by the time she runs on April 27 – you can donate to it here.

She has worked across all four Rowlands pharmacies in Southport over the last 10 years and previously ran the London Marathon in 2022. 

She said to “always expect the unexpected with a marathon” as well as “with training” in preparing to complete it. 

Read more: Mountain climb raises £2.6k for pharmacy technician 

“I'm really grateful for the support from Numark, who own Rowlands. My regional lead phoned me to let me know Rowlands were putting in a donation for the charity which is just amazing,” she added. 

Other pharmacists are taking part in the London Marathon this year, as a Peterborough pharmacist is honouring his grandmother who suffered from Alzheimer’s by running it as well as a hospital pharmacist with rare neurological disorder raising money for a University of Sunderland student fund.