Day 3. February 27

Money spent: £1 (large bar of chocolate-very stressed)...and £45 in debt (exorbitant train fare)

My grandparents wanted me to visit them this weekend.

I felt awful telling them that I really couldn't afford the train ticket up north to see them, which is about £45 return.

But they're about to leave on a five week trip to New Zealand to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary.

My wonderful, generous, lovely grandmother said: "Charlotte. Don't be silly. We want to see you before we go- we'll pay the fare."

I know that my grandparents would always try to help me out if I was in a real pickle- I'm very lucky.

But it just seemed like cheating, especially so early on in the challenge.

So we made a compromise- they have bought my ticket and I will pay them back about £10 a week, more if I can.

And as it is, I know I'm going to enjoy some nice home cooked meals while I'm here. Paying the train fare myself is the least I could do.

Part of me wonders if this is still cheating, but the fact is, if I really had to live on minimum wage I know my grandparents would be there to help me out and look after me when I came to visit.

I think a lot of people depend on relatives for support if they need it and most people would agree, grandparents love to spoil their grandchildren!