THIS June, a Pembrokeshire basics bank which provides, food, toiletries and small household items to those in financial crisis will celebrate being open for 10 years.

In order to raise much needed funds, staff from Pembrokeshire Action to Combat Hardship (PATCH) are taking part in a sponsored ten-day challenge that will see them live off the same food that clients would receive.

Members of the public can also join the challenge if they wish.

PATCH Manager Tracy Olin said: “Our food parcels last five days so we will give the participants a list of what a five-day food parcel would consist of.

"The only real choice is between tea or coffee and pasta or rice.

"We do try to meet dietary requirements where possible.

"Most large supermarkets in Pembrokeshire now donate their surplus food, which means we can give out items such as fruit and vegetables.

"We sometimes get eggs, chocolate and other ‘goodies’ as well.

“We suggest that participants call us on the day their challenge starts to see what has been donated, and then they can purchase the same food, to add to their equivalent of a five-day parcel.

"This means you can call at the beginning and day six.”

Tracy added: “Of course if friends want to donate a meal, then a participant would be allowed to accept, but the vast majority of our clients won’t receive the ‘luxury’ of free meals and it's important to show the reality of what our clients have.”

If you would like to join the challenge, please contact Tracy Olin on 01646 699275, 07775 571431 or tracy@patchcharity.org.uk. Participants will be asked to record their daily experience on social media to raise awareness using '#PATCH10daychallenge' on all posts.

If you would like to make a donation to PATCH, visit patchcharity.org.uk/donate.