Southport dance teacher Leanne Lucas has spoken about the terrifying moment she tried to protect children during the Taylor Swift-themed dance class attack that shocked the UK. Lucas, who organised the summer holiday event at The Hart Space in Southport, was seriously wounded while helping young girls escape. Her account has renewed attention on the bravery shown by adults and children inside the room, as well as the lasting trauma carried by survivors and families.
Leanne Lucas Tried to Help Children Escape
Leanne Lucas was running a children’s yoga and dance workshop in Southport on July 29, 2024, when Axel Rudakubana entered the venue and began attacking children inside the class. The event had been advertised as a Taylor Swift-themed workshop for young girls and was meant to be a joyful summer activity.
Lucas later described how the room had been full of happiness before everything changed. When she realised what was happening, she shouted for the children to run and tried to guide them out of the building despite being badly wounded herself.
The Southport Inquiry later recorded that Lucas tried to protect and evacuate the children while also calling emergency services, even as she feared for her own survival.
She Was Seriously Wounded During the Chaos
Lucas suffered multiple serious injuries during the attack, including wounds to her chest, back, head, arm and shoulder, with damage to her spine also recorded by the inquiry.
Despite that, she continued trying to help the children escape. Police and public reports have credited her actions with helping save lives, though Lucas has spoken with deep pain about not being able to protect everyone.
Her account shows the impossible pressure placed on her in a moment of sudden danger. She was not a security officer or emergency responder. She was a teacher and instructor trying to protect children during a horrific situation.
Heidi Liddle Also Protected a Child
Another instructor, Heidi Liddle, also helped protect a child during the attack. The inquiry recorded that Liddle noticed a child running toward a restroom rather than the stairs, took the child inside, locked the door and shielded her while the attacker tried to get in.
Her actions became another example of the courage shown inside The Hart Space that day. Both women had been running what should have been a safe, creative and happy class for children.
The inquiry later heard how deeply the attack affected Liddle’s life, family and sense of safety.
The Attack Left Lasting Trauma
Lucas has said her life is now divided between “before” and “after” the attack. The Southport Inquiry recorded that she has not returned to teaching or yoga and has struggled with severe trauma, anxiety in public spaces and a loss of independence.
Her parents became full-time carers and advocates after the attack, while Lucas has continued trying to rebuild her life. The inquiry also noted that she completed a diploma in therapeutic counselling and launched a campaign called “Let’s Be Blunt” to raise awareness and push for change.
Her story has resonated because it shows that surviving a violent event does not mean life simply returns to normal. Physical recovery may happen faster than emotional recovery.
Families Continue to Seek Answers
The attack claimed the lives of Alice da Silva Aguiar, Bebe King and Elsie Dot Stancombe, while several other children and two adults were injured. Rudakubana was later sentenced to a minimum of 52 years in prison.
Families and survivors have spoken about the lifelong impact of the attack. The Southport Inquiry has been examining what warning signs were missed and what changes are needed to protect children more effectively in the future.
For many families, the focus is not only punishment. It is also prevention, accountability and making sure children are safer in public spaces.
Why Leanne Lucas’ Story Matters
Lucas’ story matters because it shows ordinary people being forced into extraordinary danger without warning. She was running a children’s class, not expecting to make life-changing decisions in seconds.
Her actions, along with those of Heidi Liddle and others at the scene, helped children escape. But her own words also show the heavy emotional cost of surviving such an event.
The public response has often called her a hero, but Lucas has also spoken about pain, guilt, fear and the difficulty of living with what happened. That balance is important. Bravery does not erase trauma.
Her story is a reminder that survivors need long-term support, not only praise in the immediate aftermath.
Key Takeaways
- Leanne Lucas was running a Taylor Swift-themed children’s yoga and dance workshop in Southport when the attack happened.
- She was seriously wounded while trying to help young girls escape.
- Heidi Liddle also protected a child by hiding with her in a locked restroom.
- The Southport Inquiry recorded the severe physical and emotional impact on survivors, families and the wider community.
- Lucas later launched the “Let’s Be Blunt” campaign to raise awareness and push for change.
Leanne Lucas’ account is a powerful reminder that courage can appear in the most terrifying moments, but survivors still need care, privacy and lasting support long after the headlines fade.