I desperately need some help and would really appreciate any advice that anyone has time to offer.
I have recently completed a Psychology degree as a 'mature'student (34/1 son) at a red brick Uni (I’m a mature student…that still impress’s me!) with a good first and am at the beginning of the process of applyingfor PhD studentships.
After applying for a few studentships in my final year and not even making it to the interview stage I am terribly nervous about making mistakes in the process this year. Because I spent my 20's in the hotelindustry I have no qualms whatsoever about wanting to do a PhD (worryingly,I suspect that I fall easily into the category of "Too desperate/eager"). However, due to having a child and living a couple of hours away from campus, my voluntary research experience /CV boosting stuff is sorely lacking from my Uni years. On the +ve side, my final year research project has been nominated for a national award, I'm currently doing voluntary UGDresearch methods teaching at a local Uni, and am about to undertake a pilotresearch project for my UGRD supervisor (Who works with the lead researcher for the PhD I am needing application advice for). My immediate problem (apart from not being able to shake the feeling that I'm trying to get into a club I don't belong to!) is that it in the application advice it is recommended that I contact the lead researcher for the PhD I want to apply for in order to 'discuss' my suitability but I have spent 2 days going back and forward (and every permutation in-between ...) between..
1. "Dear Dr XXXXX My name is…and I am contacting you regarding your advertised PhD… I am very interested because…
2. Dear Dr XXXXX, I have recently graduated from XXX with a first class…and I am very eager to submit af ormal application for your project because…
3. Dear Dr XXXXXX, I am the absolutely best person that has ever walked Bipedal for your research project, I’ll make tea, coffee, cocktails and my son a latch-key-kid if you would just give me the opportunity….
In all seriousness though, this PhD opportunity is amazing and I would hate to jeopardise my chances by sending a poorly worded firstcontact email therefore I would be most grateful if anyone has any constructiveadvice about how to go about approaching this potential supervisor

Option 1 looks good to me. I think that perhaps because there is so much riding on it for you, you are over thinking the process. So long as you don't call them Mr instead of Doctor I'm sure you won't offend them.

Mention the PhD you are applying for nice and early (and in the subject of the email) so they know what you are on about. Give them your reasons why you want to do it and ask any questions you may have (try to keep it to one or two questions). You could perhaps ask if they would be free in the future to discuss it in person (email is a horrible way to communicate!). Sign it off with a typical "all the best" or maybe a "I look forward to hearing from you".

I doubt your getting the position or not will hinge on this email to be honest - so long as you don't say "hey Mr Prof lolz, I is well up 4 doin a PHD innit" which I am sure you won't.