10|FT: BUCKET CHALLENGE

Background info:

The stunt is typically intended to raise money and awareness for the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Association. It's British equivalent, the Motor Neurone Disease Association, has also benefited.

Side notes:

Life expectancy for about half of those with ALS is three to four years from start of diagnosis, but some can live 10 years or longer - Prof Stephen Hawking has had ALS for 51 years. So it goes to show!

Rare condition where parts of the nervous system become damaged, causing progressive weakness, usually with muscle wasting

Occurs when specialist nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord called motor neurones stop working properly; as condition progresses, sufferers find basic activities such as walking, speaking, swallowing and breathing increasingly difficult to do

It has comfortably been the quickest spreading charity phenomenon on social media. That spread has been so quick that finding the genesis of the challenge is not easy.

Figures!

From 29 July to 28 August this year ALS received $98.2m - compared with $2.7m donated during the same period last year.

Pre-ice bucket, the MND Association would receive on average £200,000 a week in donations. From 22 to 29 August, it received £2.7m

BitterSweet!

Although not everyone taking part has actually donated to causes, at least awareness has been spread. Of course, the downside is with the hype comes the slumber! Will donations still be flowing in this time next year? or will ASL once gain be a thing of the past.

Peep the photos below.