Hello all - thanks for taking the time to read about my challenge.

Those of you who know me will know the following:

- I am a huge fan of Harry Potter

- I am petrified of spiders

In 2014 I am going to combine these two things by taking part in the 'Face Your Boggart' campaign organised by the Phoenix Rising Harry Potter Alliance Chapter (Bournemouth and Poole).

I am the Chapter Organiser for Phoenix Rising and our mission is to address issues of social justice through the power of story.

In Harry Potter a Boggart turns into the thing you fear and you need to challenge your idea of your fear to overcome the Boggart.

I am going to attempt to be Dauntless (inspired by another favourite story Divergent) and go for holding a tarantula for at least a minute. I can not promise this experience will happen tear free.

As you can see by the picture of the scary spider (!!!) I am starting my desensitisation programme early. The challenge will happen in May (dates and venue to be confirmed) and by then I'm hoping to add a picture of a real tarantula.

Because this is a real phobia I'm afraid I can't face it for just £10 and so I'm asking you all to dig deep and help me raise at least £200 (but hopefully more).

The charity I have chosen to support is Forest Holme Hospice - this local hospice supported my aunt in her final days battling cancer along with supporting her family too. For me the ability to die with dignity is a huge issue of social justice and hospices like Forest Holme help to tackle this issue. Death is another of my fears so by choosing this charity I will be facing this too.

If you would like to join me and face your fear please visit our justgiving team page and the relevant page on our blog to find out how to 'Face Your Boggart'. We are asking for a small donation to our chapter funds so that we can continue to address issues of social justice in our area but beyond that any funds you raise will be directed at the charity of your choice.

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. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.