Thank you for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Here is an extract from my blog (http://thepollyannaplan.wordpress.com) to explain a little more about The Pollyanna Plan and why I'm raising money for Save the Children

On New Year’s Eve 2012, I made myself a promise to do everything in my power to improve my health and get my life back.

I have been ill/sick/unwell, whatever you want to call it, pretty much most of my life in one way or another. But, over the last 7 years, my health deteriorated and things were tough. I’ve been unable to work, socialise or lead a “normal life.” In fact, most days I have been too unwell to leave the house or do much at all.

So back to New Year's Eve 2012. I spent the hours leading up to midnight curled up on the sofa watching the film Julie & Julia, the only decent thing to watch on TV. For me it was yet another New Year’s Eve spent at home and not well enough celebrate. And also the end to another year I was glad to see the back of. But, in hindsight, I couldn’t be more grateful for those few hours, as what followed next blossomed into The Pollyanna Plan and the year that changed my life.

For those of you who haven’t seen the film, Julie & Julia is based on the blog written by Julie Powell, who set herself the challenge to cook all 524 recipes from Juila Child’s cookbook in 365 days.

As the film progressed, I felt something I hadn’t felt for years – inspired! And as the credits rolled, I knew I wanted to do two things in 2013 – 1) create a challenge for myself and 2) write a blog – something I’d never done before and hadn’t a clue about.

Over the next few weeks, the seed of an idea brewed in my mind, and it coincided with me re-reading Lynn Grabhorn’s book, Excuse Me, Your Life Is Waiting: The Astonishing Power of Positive Feelings.

And suddenly one day (24th January 2013 to be precise), the idea for The Pollyanna Plan came to me - named after the literary character, Pollyanna, who always looks for the best in every situation – and the rest, as they say, is history!

The mission I set for myself was to improve my health and life through the power of positive, happy feelings by finding a reason to feel glad/happy/joyful EVERY DAY for 1 WHOLE YEAR.

• 365 days
• 365 reasons to FEEL glad/happy/joyful - regardless of what life throws at me

I have very nearly finished this challenge and The Pollyanna Plan has grown into something so much bigger than I could ever have imagined. And now, it's my dream to inspire others to try it too. So, The Pollyanna Plan blog will continue long after the 365 days are up! :)

Since starting this blog, The Pollyanna Plan has evolved into a sponsored challenge.

My goal was to raise £365 for Save The Children, for 365 days of writing this blog and finding 365 reasons to feel glad/happy/joyful. But, together we have not only smashed that target, but also smashed the second I set, which was to raise £500. Onwards and upwards! :)

If  you have enjoyed reading my blog, maybe you would like to sponsor The Pollyanna Plan, by making a small donation to my chosen charity, Save The Children

I have chosen to support Save the Children because of the incredible work they do in 120 countries, saving children’s lives, fighting for their rights and helping them fulfill their potential.

I believe that every child deserves the chance to shine.

I would be so grateful for any donation you can make. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.