A group of young people have experienced what life is like for those living in some of the world’s poorest communities while raising hundreds of pounds for charity.

A ‘Slum Survivor’ event was held at St Mary’s Church, in Saffron Walden. It involved 11 youngsters spending 32 hours living the way billions of people are forced to live their lives in slums all over the world. The fundraiser was in aid of Soul Action, which supports projects serving some of the world’s poorest communities.

Part of the experience saw the group build their own slum houses out of basic materials such as cardboard and tarpaulin. Plain food such as potatoes, onions and rotis were all that was eaten.

Edward Dunn, who took part in the event, said: “We now appreciate many home comforts and the variety of food that we can eat especially apple squash.”

During the 32 hour task the group also had to complete five tasks challenges that simulated aspects of slum life, including creating their own game with a discarded newspaper, carrier bags, string and tape.