I Won’t Let This Define Elsie: Jen Stancombe on Grief, Love & Her Daughter's Legacy

I Won’t Let This Define Elsie: Jen Stancombe on Grief, Love & Her Daughter's Legacy

Author: Giovanna Fletcher July 21, 2026 Duration: 1:17:28

TW: This episode contains devastating conversations around child loss from a traumatic event, and themes of grief. Please do take care of yourself while listening, and know that it’s completely okay to step away and come back when you’re ready.


In this week's episode, Gi sits down with Jen Stancombe to honour the life of her daughter, Elsie Dot Stancombe.


In July 2024, seven-year-old Elsie was one of three young girls killed in the Southport attack. Jen joins Gi to share who Elsie truly was beyond the headlines: a joyful, caring, and inspirational big sister, who brought light to everyone she met.


Jen speaks about navigating the unimaginable grief alongside her husband David and their younger daughter, while sharing how love for Elsie continues to shape their family every day. She also reflects on the strength they've found in keeping Elsie's memory alive and the purpose they've discovered through the foundation created in her name.


We are incredibly grateful to Jen for trusting us with Elsie's story. To find out more about the incredible work being carried out in Elsie's memory, or to support the foundation, please visit Elsie's Story.


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Giovanna Fletcher’s Happy Mum Happy Baby picks up the threads of her bestselling book, creating a space where the polished facade of parenting is gently set aside. Each episode unfolds through candid, comforting conversations with well-known mothers and fathers, though the focus is less on their fame and more on their shared, human experience. Giovanna, or Gi as she’s often known, guides these discussions through every facet of raising children-the unexpected joys, the exhausting lows, the personal challenges, and the quiet rewards. The core idea that resonates throughout this podcast is the liberating notion that perfection is a myth; everyone is simply navigating parenthood as best they can. Listening feels like being part of a supportive, honest chat among friends who understand that the journey is messy and beautiful in equal measure. You’ll hear real stories that validate your own, offering both solace and a much-needed laugh. It’s a warm, inclusive audio journal that celebrates the collective reality of family life, making it a deeply relatable listen for anyone in the thick of it.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Happy Mum
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