A man who is living on £1 a day is over two thirds of the way to reaching his fundraising target to help combat poverty.

David Garcia, 68, hopes to raise £1,000 for Tzedek, who help those in poorer countries escape the poverty trap.

During the second day of his five-day challenge, wine lover Mr Garcia had another helping of congee for breakfast, followed by tarka dhal for lunch.

The Richmond resident carefully measured out oil and spices and calculated the cost so his food is less bland.

During a visit to London yesterday, April 29, he prised himself away from a cafe.

He said: “I passed a Benugo’s on the upper floor of Waterloo station and the most delicious aromas of food assailed me since, under the circumstances, I could not stop I just had to keep walking.

“For a moment I experienced what millions must experience every day.”

Dinner consisted of bread, meat, beans and an apple and Mr Garcia noted the constraints of his challenge.

He said: “It is not hard to live on £1 a day, it is just boring and bland.”

The retired computer consultant has raised £766 of his £1,000 target to help people escape poverty through sustainable projects.

He said: “I am doing the challenge to raise funds for Tzedek.

“It is a small outfit which helps people to escape the poverty trap through education, providing small cheap loans to allow people start a business, providing tools to increase agricultural yields, such as improved seeds and lastly through schemes to improve the environment such as fresh water supply.”

To donate to the cause, visit https://www.livebelowtheline.com/me/davidgarcia.