A SCHOOLGIRL who promised not to eat sweets or chocolate for a year to raise money for sick children has almost completed her challenge.

Grace Maughan, of Chart Downs in Dorking, got friends and family to sponsor her to give up the treats at the end of February 2011.

The ten-year-old, who also donated money that would otherwise have been spent on Easter eggs, has raised more than £500 in total for children's charity Make A Wish.

Grace said: "A flyer for the charity came through the post and I asked mum about what they did and it made me sad.

"I then searched the house for everything I could give them and I filled five big bags.

"I think this charity is really great because it gives children their wishes when they are really ill."

Grace will complete the full year at the end of this month, when she will finally enjoy the treats she has denied herself.

Grace added: "I decided to give up chocolate because it's one of my favourite things.

"It was really tough over Easter and Hallowe'en and at my birthday party last year, but we just played lots of games which took my mind off wanting sweets.

"Mars bars are my favourite chocolate bars so I have probably missed them the most.

"But I am happy that I managed to last a whole year and raise lots of money."

Mum Lorraine Maughan said: "We are all really proud of Grace.

"We thought maybe she could stay off sweets for a month but she decided to do the whole year and she has done really well to resist temptation and reach her target of £500.

"The thing which has been really lovely is that Grace decided to do it all by herself.

"We had a little chat about the charity and that was it, she wanted to do something big.

"She does have quite a sweet tooth, so there have been times when she's found it difficult of course, but she has always managed to stay strong."

The Make A Wish Foundation grants wishes to children and young people fighting life-threatening conditions.

To sponsor Grace, visit www.justgiving.com/Lorraine-Maughan