A powerful memoir by Dani Elm who lives in Swanage, Dorset, has raised around £2,000 for charity so far, with half the amount going to bolster Swanage Carnival’s funds.
Dani held a successful signing of her book Our Last Steps in the carnival marquee on Tuesday 28th July 2026, and spoke about her life before and after a devastating car accident in Wales, in which her four year old daughter Darcy sadly died, and she was left paralysed and unable to walk.
Darcy loved playing on the beach in Swanage
Tragic loss in 2018
Far from a gloomy read, the memoir is a compelling story of growing up in Swanage, becoming an entertainment rep in Majorca, falling in love, getting married to her husband Dan, giving birth to Darcy, and then learning to come back fighting after tragic loss in 2018.
Dani, a former Swanage Carnival queen, said
“There was a really good turn out for the event and I managed to sell 33 books on the day with online sales taking a boost.
“I had already reached out to the community on Facebook and asked for questions. So I was able to deliver a 90 minute talk based on those answers, plus of course the questions from the audience.
“There were a lot of questions about our journey we’re still on to become parents again via surrogacy and the process, which I was happy to chat about in an informative way.”
Dani Elm with her mother Mandy at the book signing event
The book cover
And the photo of Dani and Darcy at Swanage Carnival which provided the inspiration for the book cover
Sale of book donated to two charities
All the proceeds of the book are being split between two charities, Swanage Carnival and the Welsh charity 2Wish.
2Wish helps support those affected by the sudden and unexpected death of a child or young person, and supported Dani and her family when they needed it most.
Dani said:
“Since the publication of my memoir earlier this year, and the boost to sales this week at the carnival, I’m estimating we’ve raised about £2,000.
“The cost of printing and distribution has been covered by us, so all the money from the sales is going straight to the two charities.”
Wednesday night’s fireworks were a beautiful sight to see
A real showstopper moment
Lighting up the sky in Darcy’s memory
“Spectacular firework display”
Dani and Dan sponsored the carnival fireworks on Wednesday 29th July 2026 in memory of their daughter and, as they say, to show their thanks and appreciation to the local community for being there for them when they lost their daughter eight years ago.
The evening started with singing from the Allsort’d choir and music from the Brentwood Imperial Youth Band, followed by a dazzling fire show by Simon Chainey and Jasmin Edward.
The firework display with pink and gold sparkles was breathtaking to watch in true fairytale fashion.
Dani added:
“It was a spectacular firework display. Thank you to everyone who came along to watch the fireworks light up the sky in Darcy’s memory”
Watch the fireworks in memory of Darcy
Further information
- The book Our Last Steps is available to buy at Swanage Bookshop in Station Road or on Amazon
