Ice Bucket Challenge makes waves among a new generation of supporters

A NEW generation of supporters are learning about the success of the Ice Bucket Challenge following the return of the social media fundraising phenomenon.

More than a decade after it was launched in the US to raise funds and awareness of MND/ALS, the challenge is once again making waves around the world, this time raising awareness of mental health.

Back in 2014, the Ice Bucket Challenge was a pivotal moment in the MND Association’s history raising more than £7.2 million to support people living with MND and their families while funding important progress in genetic research.

Now 11 years on, that money continues to have an extraordinary impact on our work having helped to fund key research projects which have identified 15 new genetic profiles with an increased risk of developing MND and research into potential new treatments. The money was also used to confirm a biomarker for MND – neurofilament light chain – which is being used regularly in clinical trials.

Elsewhere, funds raised through the Ice Bucket Challenge helped to establish two new Care Centres, the recruitment of four specialist MND nurses and two Care Co-ordinators, helping to reach people living with MND in areas of greatest need. The Association was also able to boost the support it offers to Children and Young People and set up the Welfare Benefits Service - in 2024 alone, the service helped more than 1,000 people living with MND to access £3.7 million of eligible claims.

Speaking to The Guardian, the Association’s Director of Engagement, Richard Evans, said it was great to see the Ice Bucket Challenge being used to promote other good causes.

He said: “We haven’t been using the Ice Bucket Challenge as a fundraising tool over the last few years, so if others doing important work want to take it forward, then we wish them all the very best.

 

“The public’s awareness of motor neurone disease has been transformed, which is showing in the amazing sums we’re fundraising and devoting to finding a cure for this devastating disease.”

If memories of the Ice Bucket Challenge have inspired you to take on your own in support of the MND Association you can set up your own Just Giving page or donate by visiting our page.

Please be aware, medical professionals have suggested that taking part in the challenge could cause health issues for people who are living with MND or with other pre-existing conditions. 

There are lots of other ways to show your support for the Association, by taking part in a fundraising challenge or raising awareness. You can find more information here.