How one mother was inspired by GOSH to give up chocolate for January

Doctors at Great Ormond Street Hospital saved Annabel Bartfeld's daughter's life when she was two years old

Annabel Bartfeld’s love of chocolate hasn’t stopped her giving it up for January to help raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH). The challenge is part of the Give It Up For GOSH fundraising initiative taking place this January for The Independent's Give to GOSH appeal.

Annabel has been inspired to make the sacrifice after GOSH saved her daughter Jessica’s life eight years ago. She was diagnosed with a brain tumour when she was just two years old, but was cleared of cancer after undergoing an eight hour operation at the hospital.

She said: “Knowing that my daughter Jessy would not be here today had it not been for GOSH keeps me motivated. It is at the front of my mind every day, I will do anything I can to help the hospital and the kids there. I think GOSH is the best place in the world”

Annabel has admitted that the challenge hasn’t been easy, but she is determined to see it through. “I have found it really hard in the evening after I finish dinner and I always fancy something sweet,” she said. “But for January I will not have anything.

She has also spoken of the support she has received from her children, who have been inspired by her actions. “The kids are so proud of me. They keep telling their friends what I’m doing, and thinking of things that would be hard for them to give up, like pasta. One of my kids even suggested they would give up healthy food for a month. Of course, I put them straight."

It's also not too late to take part yourself. Getting started is simple: choose just one thing to give up, then click here where JustGiving will help you to create a page and encourage friends, family and colleagues to donate.