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.

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.

If memories of the Ice Bucket Challenge have inspired you to take on your own in support of the MND Association, you can donate here or set up your own JustGiving page.

With your help, we can develop the range of services available to people living with MND and ensure many more families get access to the care and support they need, whether that’s access to equipment to improve quality of life, support grants or even counselling sessions to give children and young people the tools they need to navigate the road ahead.

Your donations will also help us to fund more research into MND, developing our understanding into the causes, while accelerating the pace at which we can target the cutting-edge projects which give us the greatest hope for the future.

Today, more than ever, every donation counts.

Together, we can turn the tide on MND forever.

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.