Grab a bucket of ice water and throw it over yourself - then spread the love by nominating someone else to do the same.
Sounds like a good idea? Well, it turns out it’s a
one, because it’s raising a shedload of cash for charity. Also, all the celebs are joining in, and watching them get a dousing is always fun…(mean).The challenge was originally the idea of Massachusetts resident Pete Frates, 29, a former college athlete who has been living with the disease ALS (referred to in Ireland as Motor Neurone Disease or MND) since 2012.
ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that impacts nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. It is more widely known as Lou Gehrig’s disease or Motor Neurone Disease. Eventually, the disease makes it difficult for sufferers to walk, speak and talk.
The ice-bucket challenge means you’re nominated to throw a bucket of ice water over yourself or, if you don’t fancy that, donate to an ALS research charity within 24 hours (like Barack Obama did), and nominate someone else to do the same.
The challenge has been a massive success, quadrupling donations to the charity and raising $4m in a two-week period to this week.
"We have never seen anything like this in the history of the disease,” said Barbara Newhouse, President and CEO of The ALS Association. “We couldn’t be more thrilled with the level of compassion, generosity and sense of humor that people are exhibiting as they take part in this impactful viral initiative."
The Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA) is inviting everyone to undertake the #icebucketchallenge to support their work in providing support to people here with MND. If you prefer to donate, text MND to donate €2 to 50300 (100% of the text goes to IMNDA, some providers may apply VAT)
Justin Timberlake, who nominated Jimmy Fallon:
Fallon and co:
The cast of Grey’s Anatomy:
Fault In Our Stars hunk Ansel Elgort:
Lil Wayne:
Some of the world’s best-known execs, including facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg, have also got in on the gig.
And
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Right, where's that ice machine?