A member of the 2wish family has been recognised on a national stage after being nominated for the prestigious Women of the Year Awards 2026.
Author Dani Elm, from Swanage, attended the awards ceremony in London after being nominated by ITV Meridian journalist Richard Slee, who was inspired by her extraordinary resilience and determination following the tragic loss of her daughter, Darcy, in a road traffic collision in 2018.
Earlier this year, Dani published her memoir, Our Last Steps, a deeply personal account of life before and after the accident which forever changed her family’s world. The book, which took a year to write, explores grief, recovery and the strength it takes to rebuild after unimaginable loss.
Following an interview with ITV Meridian to discuss the book, Dani was surprised and honoured to learn that Richard had nominated her for a Women of the Year Award.
The awards celebrate women from across the UK and beyond who have made a significant impact through their achievements, advocacy and resilience. For Dani, attending the event was an opportunity not only to celebrate the recognition but also to continue raising awareness of bereaved families and the charities that supported her following Darcy’s death.
Since its release, Our Last Steps has sold approximately 500 copies across paperback and eBook formats. Priced at £16.99 for the paperback edition, the book has so far generated around £2,600 in charitable donations after costs, with proceeds being shared between 2wish and Swanage Carnival.
One of the most moving chapters of Dani’s story is the way family and friends continue to honour Darcy’s memory each year. Every year on 18 September, what would have been Darcy’s birthday, around 50 family members, friends and childhood friends gather at her resting place for a special butterfly release.
The annual gathering has become a treasured tradition, with dozens of butterflies released in a magical tribute to Darcy’s life and the lasting impact she continues to have on those who knew and loved her.
Since its release, Our Last Steps has sold approximately 500 copies across paperback and eBook formats. Priced at £16.99 for the paperback edition, the book has so far generated around £2,600 in charitable donations after costs, with proceeds being shared between 2wish and Swanage Carnival.
One of the most moving chapters of Dani’s story is the way family and friends continue to honour Darcy’s memory each year. Every year on 18 September, what would have been Darcy’s birthday, around 50 family members, friends and childhood friends gather at her resting place for a special butterfly release.
The annual gathering has become a treasured tradition, with dozens of butterflies released in a magical tribute to Darcy’s life and the lasting impact she continues to have on those who knew and loved her.
At 2wish, we are incredibly proud to have played a small part in supporting Dani and her family following Darcy’s death, and we are delighted to see her courage and determination recognised on a national platform.
At 2wish, we are incredibly proud to have played a small part in supporting Dani and her family following Darcy’s death, and we are delighted to see her courage and determination recognised on a national platform.
Dani’s story is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest moments, love, hope and the support of others can help families find a way forward while keeping the memory of their loved ones alive.
Everyone at 2wish would like to congratulate Dani on this well-deserved recognition and thank her for continuing to share her family’s story to help support other bereaved families.
