Halifax boy's 'Ice Bucket Challenge' raises over £1,000 for NHS

During lock down, Freddie, who lives in Halifax, has challenged himself to take part in the ‘Ice Bucket Challenge.’

The Ice Bucket Challenge rose to popularity in 2014, to promote awareness of the disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Participants pour a bucket of ice cold water over their heads, upload it to social media, and tag their friends to do the same. The viral trend raised over $220million worldwide for the disease.

Freddie decided to revive the challenge and raise money for the NHS, as his mum Lucy works at Calderdale Royal Hospital as a Maternity Support Worker.

“I decided to do the challenge because my mum works for the NHS. I thought that because a lot of people are getting sick, they could do with the help. The water was freezing, but it was a warm day and thought it was a good idea to have some fun,” said Freddie.

In his spare time, the young fundraiser plays for Warley Rangers Football Club. Following Freddie’s video, several of his team mates also rose to the cold challenge and the online fundraiser has now raised over £1,100, eleven times more than Freddie’s original target of £100.

Mum Lucy said: “I came home from work and he said he wanted to do the ice bucket challenge. By the look of things in the garden he had been playing with the garden hose most of the afternoon! I asked if he wanted to do it for charity and he said yes and that he wanted to help the NHS. We have now raised over £1,000 which has way exceeded expectations of £100.”

To donate to Freddie’s Ice Bucket Challenge fundraiser, click here.Are you doing something to help our Health Heroes during this difficult time? Send your stories and photos to [email protected].