Hey guys,

Better late than never! It may have taken a little while, but I've finally been able to make my first lodgement to the page! It's listed as coming from me on the page, but I really can't begin to thank everyone who donated so generously on the day. I simply couldn't list you all here, but you can rest assured you have made an incredible difference to the lives of many.

A special mention to our eventual winners on the day - the Castle Toyboys, captained by Jack Cunningham.

Almost there, let's push it on to the magic number!

Thank you all for your support, positivity and generosity, Tom.

Finally over the line!

A huge thanks to everyone who has helped me break the €1,000 mark! Your kindness, generosity, support and willingness to donate made it all possible. I can assure you that every single cent of your money will be put to great use by Temple Street Children's Hospital.

We're now into our final 18 days of fundraising and at a total of over €91,000, every single donation, big or small, can make the world of difference in reaching our overall target.

Once again - thank you all so much for your support. Simply couldn't have done it without you.

Tom.

I have often heard that quote from Gandhi (in fact, I used to own a pair of shoes with it written all over them), but only now do I truly realise what it means. It's easy to complain, and even easier to criticise others. Change has to start with you - no ifs or buts!

My time with 100minds has taught me that true change, however big or small, is always in your hands. When I received a phone call in October, I was excited, but realistic. After all, how big an impact can 100 Irish students make? I've rarely been so glad to be so wrong.

Not only have we managed to beat our target by some distance, I believe that 100minds have made an impact that will remain for years to come. 100minds can serve as a reminder that Irish people can be some of the most generous and kind in the world, and that Irish students can be so much more than others will lead you to believe - entrepreneurial, creative, selfless, intelligent and spirited.

I must once again thank all who donated, not only to my total but to every 100minds profile. Your kindness and generosity, even in tough times, was the driving force behind the success of this project, and you should be very proud of the difference it will make to the lives of some extraordinarily brave children.

Finally, I encourage anyone who reads this to now challenge themselves to be the change. Expand your comfort zone, be creative, do things you never thought you were capable of. Fundraising may have closed, but I'm certainly not stopping here. I would be enormously proud if I can inspire even one person to become a force for change in the same way that 100minds has, and only in its first year.

Here's to many more.

Tom.