Heroic Southport yoga teacher is back 'on the road to recovery' as she is discharged from hospital

A heroic dance teacher who was stabbed multiple times during the Southport attack has been discharged from hospital for a second time.

Leanne Lucas, 35, suffered a number of injuries on 29 July as she tried to shield the children as the knifeman carried out their attack.

She was one of the organisers of the Taylor Swift-themed dance class at The Hart Space, where a man entered and began attacking people with a knife.

Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice de Silva Aguiar, nine, died in the attack.

Eight other children were injured along with Leanne and another man, John Hayes, who rushed to help.

Leanne was released from hospital after receiving treatment for her serious injuries, but her friends said she had been readmitted just weeks later for more emergency surgery.

In a post on social media they said her latest surgery went well, and she had now been discharged by the hospital to recover at home.

Writing on social media, she said: "Leanne has been discharged following further surgery & is now recovering with family & friends around her.

"Please continue to support Leanne by sharing her GoFundMe page far & wide & donating where possible."We have had so many lovely messages wishing her well, so many gifts & hand made crafts.

"I want to say a huge thank you to everyone for showing such kindness during this impossible difficult time."

A GoFundMe page set up for Leanne has raised more than £36,000.

Axel Rudakubana, 18, has been charged with the murders of Elsie, Alice and Bebe, as well as the attempted murder of instructor Leanne Lucas, businessman John Hayes, and eight children, who cannot be named for legal reasons, and possession of a kitchen knife with a curved blade.

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