A journalist is living on food bank donations for a week to raise money for charity.

Nathalie Raffray, who works for weekly sister titles the Hampstead & Highgate Express and Brent & Kilburn Times, has been eating from a foodbank parcel since Monday in aid of poverty charity Sufra NW London.

Nathalie, pictured below, hopes to raise £1,000 for the charity through sponsorship, and has so far received £625 in donations.

She explained why she was taking on the challenge in a piece for the Times.

Wrote Nathalie: “In 2003, when my son was a year old, I lost my magazine job, our home and my relationship with his dad all at the same time. A decade of multiple ‘lease-end’ evictions from private and then temporary accommodation followed, which was mightily depressing.

“Back then, there were government-funded Sure-Start activities for me and my son, and council-funded programmes. In 2013, we were offered a flat with a secure tenancy and rent 60 per cent cheaper.

“I progressed in my job, and despite a low salary can pay all my rent, fuel, water and council tax bills. I can eat out occasionally too (tax credits and child maintenance helps – both will go when my son turns 18).

“It seems like the drawbridge went up after me. Food bank demand is flourishing, no doubt due to the introduction of bedroom tax, benefit sanctions and benefit caps on increasingly high rents.”

To donate to Nathalie, click here.