‘A light that can never be replaced’: Charity launched in memory of Elemie Wainwright, 11, killed in crash
The family of 11-year-old Elemie Rose Wainwright, who died after a collision with a van, are continuing her legacy of kindness and supporting children’s mental health in her memory.
Elemie Rose Wainwright died on 12 June 2025 after a collision at the junction of High Street and Station Road in Mosborough.
The beloved youngster was taken to hospital by ambulance but died a short time later.
Her death prompted an outpouring of tributes across Sheffield and beyond.
Now, her mum, Jodie, has announced the launch of Be More Elemie, a community interest company with ambitions to become a registered charity in the future.
She told The Star the family had set up the organisation to continue her daughter’s legacy of kindness.
Jodie said: “In a world where you can be anything, be kind. The purpose of the CIC is to support children’s mental health, and plans for 2026 are in full swing.”
She told The Star that the family’s lives were changed forever on June 12, 2025.
She said: “Something we hear all the time – ‘Your life can change in a split second’. Those words never really sunk in until it happened to us.
“On 12th June 2025, just an ordinary Thursday, one phone call, one split second, changed our lives forever.”
Speaking about Elemie’s death, she added: “At just 11 years old, Elemie’s bright, beautiful life was tragically cut short in a road traffic accident.
“In that single heartbreaking moment, the world lost a light that can never be replaced - our whole world changed that day.”
Jodie said above all, kindness defined her daughter.
She said: “One thing Elemie stood for was kindness. Elemie’s kindness was effortless – she made everyone feel seen, loved and included.
“With the biggest heart and the warmest smile, she cared deeply for others and always chose kindness in every moment.”
Describing her daughter’s personality, Jodie said she was a typical pre-teen with boundless energy, who loved spending time with friends, dancing, shopping and filming “get ready with me” videos.
She said Elemie embraced life fully, enjoying parties, sleepovers and bike rides, and made the most of every single day.
Her interests ranged from dance and gymnastics to marine biology and the ocean, as well as social media, travelling and Sheffield United.
But above all else, Elemie loved people, finding the greatest joy in making others happy and spreading kindness.
More than £82,000 has already been raised in Elemie’s memory for the restoration of Plumbley Park in Mosborough, where Elemie used to play.
Her family confirmed a sign will be installed naming it ‘Elemie’s Park’.
As part of the family’s fundraising efforts, Elemie’s father will also take on a major physical challenge in her memory.
In February 2026, Anthony Wainwright will climb Mount Kilimanjaro alongside Jamie King and Simon Anderson, tackling Africa’s highest peak, which rises 5,895 metres above sea level.
The seven-day expedition will begin on February 4 to raise funds in Elemie’s name.
The mission, which has already raised £1,600, will see the group walking in Elemie’s memory from Sheffield to the summit of the world’s tallest free-standing mountain.
Speaking about the challenge, the family said the climb is intended to reflect Elemie’s adventurous spirit and boundless energy, describing it as a way of ensuring her legacy continues to reach new heights.
They said: “This climb is more than a challenge - it’s a promise. A promise that Elemie’s light will continue to travel, to shine, and to touch hearts wherever it goes.”
Funds raised will be donated to charities close to the family’s hearts, chosen to reflect Elemie’s kindness.
A dedicated Facebook page, Hike for Elemie, has been set up to document the group’s training and preparations, with supporters able to follow their journey through to the climb itself.
The Kilimanjaro climb marks the start of a wider programme of fundraising planned for 2026, alongside a family fun day, charity football match, The Elemie Rose Ball and a School Cup tournament at Westfield School.
In Elemie’s memory, Mosborough School has introduced a kindness award, celebrating the compassion and generosity her family say defined her.