VOTERS are giving a Redditch politician the cold shoulder – but all in the name of charity.
Rebecca Blake is set to have buckets of icy water thrown over her on Monday (September 1) as part of the ice bucket challenge which social media users across the globe have taken part in.
Devised by American charity ALS, it aims to raise awareness of motor neurone disease, with many UK residents choosing to donate to the MND Association which is our equivalent. Each person taking part nominates others to spread the message and raise more money.
But, after being nominated to take part by her husband Paul Cooper, the Labour Parliamentary spokeswoman for Redditch decided rather than just face the challenge once she would have one bucket thrown over her for every person who made a donation to the charity.
Ms Blake said: “The ice bucket challenge has captured a phenomenal amount of interest, which is excellent news for the charities who are benefiting.
“Motor neurone disease is a particularly cruel degenerative disease that the majority of people do not know enough about, so raising awareness and money for research to hopefully eradicate the disease is well worth getting drenched in ice water.
“I hope lots more people will take part by making a donation or doing their own ice bucket challenge.”
She is also encouraging the leader of the council Bill Hartnett to get involved and has nominated him to take part. He has confirmed he will be rising to the challenge.
To take part, residents should forward their text confirmation from MND Association to 07833 771086, e-mail [email protected] or Facebook a screenshot of the text proving they have given money to Ms Blake before 5pm on Monday.
To donate, text ICED55 £ and then the amount to 70070. The video will be posted next week on Ms Blake’s social media pages.
