On the 20th December I hosted a Christmas themed Coffee Morning in my house. There was lots of Christmas goodies for everyone to tuck into with their coffees and teas. From mince pies, to ginger nut chocolate biscuit cake to plum cake - we had more than enough treats for everyone. There was a Raffle with four tickets to the X-Factor Tour in March - the Raffle tickets were €10 each. Everyone bought at least one ticket - needless to say, some bought far more than just one ticket. The event proved extremely successful - I received donations in advance of the event and after the event - everyone wanted to donate once they heard the money was going to Temple Street Children's Hospital. I am so thankful to everyone who attended the coffee morning, and to everyone who donated. I am also thankful to those who helped make it happen - big thanks to Kate Murphy for her amazing Santa cake, to Geraldine and Chloe Carton for helping sell Raffle tickets and pour coffee, but above all to my Mum for all her help and support. I received donations from so many people - Barbara, Helen, Natalie, Michelle, Margaret, Monica, Terry, Des, Joyce, Margo, Berna, Julianne, John, Jack, Finbar, Orla, Sarah, Louise, Colm, George, Richie, Louise, Kate, Aine, Cathy, Joyce, Fiona, Caoileann, Catherine, Liz, Emer, Annette, Anne, Fiona, Mary-Jane, Gina, Jane, Fiona, Christine, Roisin, Ger and Eamonn.

It is crazy to think that just a few short months ago 100Minds was just an idea. We started off as 100 undergraduates hoping to make a positive impact on the children and families who rely on Temple Street Children's Hospital. Our aim was to collectively raise €100,000 in funds that the Hospital would put towards our detailed Spend Plan which was aimed at improving the hospital’s infrastructure, enhancing patient quality of life and supporting families in need. Over 130,000 children pass through the doors of Temple Street every year; it makes me extremely happy to say that I am part of a team who has affected their lives in a positive way.

In just 3 short months, we have not only reached our target but, surpassed it. I am so proud to be a part of such a great team of people and to be a part of a generation that (contrary to popular opinion) is not entirely focused on their own interests. 100Minds allowed us to highlight our leadership, entrepreneurial, creative, project management and time management skills while delivering necessary funds for equipment, patient well-being and families in need. It was an opportunity to channel our energies towards the twin goals of helping sick children and their families and helping us help ourselves.

While I am incredibly proud of what the other 99 participants and I have accomplished credit must go to Declan and his brilliant team of mentors. The idea, the initiative, the implementation and the completion of the project has been expertly and flawlessly carried out. None of this could have happened without their tireless efforts. Declan in particular deserves an immense endorsement in light of his work. He was never more than a phone-call or email away throughout the project for anyone with any questions or queries or for anyone who just needed some support. His devotion to the project was unquestionable and unwavering, and I think it is safe to say we have all learned a lot about project management from him.

100Minds is the best thing I have ever been involved in. The team, the project and the experience could not have been better. I would recommend getting involved to anyone who wants to not only make a difference, but make a positive impact on society.