Stephen Hawking completes ice bucket challenge (sort of)

Physicist Stephen Hawking has become the latest celebrity to take part in the ice bucket challenge craze.

The Cambridge academic – who himself has Motor Neurone Disease – said he was keen to support the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) by taking part.

But due to his health, he avoided a drenching by convincing his children to take his place.

In the video Hawking said: “Because I had pneumonia last year, it would not be wise for me to have a bucket of cold water poured over me.

“But my children, Robert, Lucy and Tim, gallantly volunteered to take the challenge for me.

“I urge you to donate to the MNDA, to eliminate this terrible disease.” Hawking went on to nominate Lord Sainsbury, the University of Cambridge chancellor, and its vice-chancellor professor Sir Leszek Borysiewicz plus Ian Blatchford, director of The Science Museum (Philip Toscano/PA)

The internet craze has seen thousands of people post videos of themselves having icy water poured over them in aid of the charity.

The MNDA has now raised £2 million through ice bucket challenge donations. To find out more about their work visit the MNDA website.