Daisy’s Dream scoops silver in Smiley Charity Film Awards after Newbury family tells its heart-breaking story

A charity film telling the heart-breaking story of a Newbury family has been commended at a national award ceremony.

Sarah Franklin-Wilson and her daughter Annabelle bravely told their story of loss with Newbury filmmaker, Anna Harvey, in a bid to raise awareness of Daisy’s Dream, the charity that supported them through their darkest days.

And they were all present at the awards gala at the O2 in London, along with Laura Lewis, the charity’s CEO, to hear that they had won silver in the People’s Choice Award at The Smiley Charity Film Awards.

Mrs Lewis said: “We were delighted to win silver for the People's Choice Awards.

“Knowing that this was something that had been voted for by the public, and being up against some significantly bigger organisations, made it very special.

“As the CEO of Daisy's Dream, I hear on a daily basis about the amazing strength and bravery the families we support show.

“This film shared a small glimpse of the difference our team can make, and I was so proud to be able to attend the awards evening with Sarah and Annabelle who featured in the film.

“A huge thank you to them and everyone who voted for us.”

Daisy’s Dream is a small, Berkshire-based charity that helps children and young people who have been affected by bereavement, by supporting them in preparing for a loss or working with them following the death of someone important to them.

It proved invaluable to Mrs Franklin-Wilson when her husband was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

The family shared their story in the video in the hope that it will increase awareness of the charity and offer hope and support to others going through the same experience as they did.

"I first made contact with Daisy’s Dream when I was told my husband only had two weeks to live,” Mrs Franklin-Wilson said.

“My priority was my children and how I should tell them daddy is dying and isn’t going to live much longer.

“As fearful and unimaginable as this felt, Daisy’s Dream guided me gently through this time and continued to support my four children after Paul died, visiting them in school and building a delicate relationship with them.”

Mrs Lewis said the charity works with around 700 children and 800 adults every year.

Miss Harvey, a freelance film and content director who produced, edited and directed the short film, said she felt it was a really important story to tell and that the exposure the charity could get from the awards was invaluable.

If you haven’t seen The Wilson’s Story yet, you can see it here.

“Let’s continue spreading awareness and ensuring that no child has to face bereavement alone,” the charity added.