When you think of the House of Lords, the upper chamber in the Parliament of the United Kingdom, the first image conjured up is probably not tinned tomato soup and value cornflakes. In fact, you might even think of it as a place that’s detached from real conversations about the impact of poverty around the world.

However, this week a few distinguished members of the House took part in the Live Below the Line challenge, eating and drinking on £1 a day for 5 days in order to raise vital funds to combat extreme poverty. Here’s how they did:

Lord Jack McConnell

Lord McConnell took the challenge this year in order to raise much needed funds for communities impacted by devastating flooding in Malawi. 'In January, Malawi was hit with terrible flooding, knocking back development and displacing 200,000 people. I take part in LBTL to raise awareness, but also to make a practical difference. I've been grumpy, had coffee withdrawal and at points been to tired to function. I am pleased the challenge is over for me, but of course it is not over for those who live on less than a pound a day every day. So the wider campaign to end extreme poverty goes on.'

Lord McConnell has already raised £6544 for UNICEF. If you would like to donate to his page click here: https://www.livebelowtheline.com/me/jackmcconnell2015

Baroness Anne Jenkin

Baroness Jenkin has taken the challenge before, so this year she decided to take it further- starting each day with £1 rather than having £5 to spend on the 5 days. This restricts her food choices even more, which has also made her think even further about the choices she makes and how they may contribute to extreme poverty.

'As a proud Patron of Restless Development, I have participated in this challenge for 4 years and thanks to generous supporters have raised almost £100k. This year I Lived Below the Line the 'hard' way, starting each day with £1 in my pocket for food and drink. I have thought more about food waste, in fact I am mildly anxious that the yoghurt looking at me from the fridge might be past its best on Saturday. I have thought more than usual about the 1.25 billion people still living on less than $1.25 a day and I have thought of the people that those of us on the All Party Group on hunger and poverty met and talked to during our inquiry last year and how they have to do this challenge not just for five days, but for most days.'  

Baroness Jenkin has already raised £4816 for Restless Development. If you would like to donate to her page click here: https://www.livebelowtheline.com/me/baronessjenkin