Rowling has led a "rags to riches" life story, in which she progressed from living on social security to multi-millionaire status within five years. She is the United Kingdom's best-selling author since records began, with sales in excess of £238m. She has become a notable philanthropist, supporting such charities as Comic Relief, One Parent Families, Multiple Sclerosis Society of Great Britain and Lumos (formerly the Children's High Level Group).