Tony Blair Faith Foundation

Two young interfaith leaders based at a London charity are to live on £1 a day for five days to highlight the struggle faced by those living in poverty.

Charlotte Dando and Usman Nawaz are undertaking the challenge as a preview to the Live Below the Line campaign which will take place between May 7 and 11.

That campaign will see people sponsored to reduce their food and drink spending to just £1 a day to highlight the global plight of 1.4 billion who are living below the poverty line.

The pair are Faith Act Fellows from the Tony Blair Faith Foundation and currently based at charity Malaria No More UK. They are working at the charity, which aims to reduce malaria-related deaths, as part of their year-long fellowship to help unite different faiths in projects tackling global issues.

Usman, 22, a Muslim from Rochdale, said: "Living on just £1 a day for five days will be a unique opportunity to catch a glimpse into the daily reality of life for the 1.4 billion people who survive on this budget everyday. I hope it will inspire us to step up the efforts to bring a positive change to their lives."

Charlotte, 27, a Quaker from Huddersfield, said: "Many faith communities are familiar with the concept of fasting although I think that Live Below the Line will offer a whole new experience. We hope that people of all faiths will join us in this challenge."

The funds raised through the challenge will enable the Battersea-based charity to help save lives and reduce the number of deaths from malaria in Africa.

Last year, 10,000 people around the world took part in the campaign and raised more than £1 million to help charity partners deliver support to those in need.

This year the challenge is aiming to raise even more funds by calling on 5,000 people in the UK alone to take part.

For more information on the campaign visit www.livebelowtheline.org.uk

Read the full article here: Press Association