We all believe that our grandparents are the best. We are all right. My nan was unique, loving and hilarious. With her dry sense of humour and her 'no filter' comments- we all miss her dearly. 

Today I looked at my calendar and realised in two days time, it will be August 5th. August 5th- That critical date in history, right back in 1937, when Elaine Garland was born. So on Tuesday 5/8/2014, it would have been her 77th birthday. 

For as long as I can remember, the weeks leading up to this essential date have been challenging. What do you buy the woman who has everything she needs? After weeks of thinking, scanning the internet high and low for 'unique' and 'unusual' ideas, it usually led to the same conclusion. Whiskey. 

This year of course is different. Nan, and the challenging 'present quandary' are no longer here, so alternatively, I have decided to donate to St Peter's Hospice. This amazing charity supported nan and our family during the last few weeks of her life. 

The Hospice spend on average £18,000 per day (!!) on providing help, care and support to adults with life limiting illnesses, and their families. 

So today I vow not only to make a donation on 5/8/14, but to continue to support the charity for as long as I am able to do so.

What I am going to do is simple. To begin, at the beginning of every month I shall make a commitment, to myself and my family, to give up one of my luxuries, let's take chocolate (the obvious) for example. I usually spend an obscene amount each month on fuelling my chocoholic addition. Every time I crave a bar, I shall drop the required amount into the fund. As so it will continue....

Now I understand that this alone, will take a very long time to achieve a large amount. Therefore I will make other commitments to raise money for the charity throughout the year. This is where you guys come in! If you have any ideas, as wacky as you will, that you'd like to put forward, then please do! Today I make my commitment to all reading this page...

Thank you for reading.

Leigh x