Dad from Nelson lives on £1.53 a day to raise money for children

Israr Raja, 34, was raised in Nelson, but has lived in Al Ain, in the United Arab Emirates, for the past two years.

The former Edge End High School and Burnley College student has worked in charity and community development for last seven years and previously helped establish a food bank with a group called Inspiring Grace in Nelson.

He has now has signed up to take part in 'The 9 dirham survival challenge'. For the next 30 days, Israr will spend 9 dirham on food to highlight the plight of people in poverty.

The married father-of-one said some families relied on this amount to cover all their living costs, not just food. He started his challenge on Universal Children's Day last Wednesday to raise cash for Dubai Cares, a charity based in UAE.

Israr said: “I get both enjoyment and satisfaction from working in an environment where I am able to help others. I see this challenge as an opportunity to practice my passion to help others and 'make a difference'.

“I will be joined by a dear friend and neighbour, Nicolas Wavrin who is from the United States and is also living and working in Al Ain.

“Almost half the world - over three billion people - live on less than $2.50 a day.

“There are 2.2billion children in the world of which 1billion are living in poverty. About 21,000 people die every day of hunger or hunger-related causes, according to the United Nations. Hence one person is dead every four seconds. Sadly, it is children who die most often.

“As global citizens, it's time we began to question our role in bringing poverty to an end.

“The world poverty statistics should drive us to take steps to eradicate poverty around the world and at the very least in our own communities.

“With this challenge, the aim is to raise awareness of issues of poverty around the world. Also, to inspire young and old to join in this movement to become more mindful citizens."

To donate online visit http://www.justgiving.com/9dirhamsurvivalchallenge