Heart-wrenching testimonies were shared at the Southport inquiry, revealing the harrowing courage of young survivors of the 29 July 2024 knife attack at a dance workshop. A mother described how her seven-year-old daughter, referred to as C1, 'fought like hell' to save herself and others, despite being stabbed 33 times by 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana. CCTV footage showed C1 attempting to escape before being dragged back by her attacker, suffering catastrophic injuries. Despite her own wounds, she shielded other children and urged them to flee. Parents of other survivors, including a nine-year-old girl critically injured, spoke of the lifelong physical and emotional scars their daughters now bear. They emphasised the stark reality that, in those terrifying moments, the children had to protect themselves, comfort one another, and summon remarkable bravery. The inquiry aims to uncover not only the events of that tragic day but also broader issues regarding how young people become entangled in extreme violence. The session adjourned until September, with further evidence and systemic reviews expected in its next phase.