Tuesday 2nd September 2014 – 10.10am – Chris Kowalik.
When West Midlands Ambulance Service staff in Warwickshire agreed to the ice bucket challenge, they wanted it to be extra special. So, the fire service got involved to give them another dousing.
Thirteen off-duty staff met at Stratford fire and ambulance station on Monday 1st September
Started in America, the ice bucket challenge has raised £60million for ASL (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), known in the UK as Motor Neurone Disease (MND). The disease affects the brain and the spinal cord causing motor neurones to degenerate and die, leading to gradual paralysis and eventual death.
Paramedic Tamara Smith said: “We were nominated by Tom Barnwell (controller in the emergency operations centre, also known for his appearance on BBC One’s ‘The Voice’). We’ve also seen the ice bucket challenges on the internet and thought it would be nice to do a group one to raise money for MND. It’s become a bit more poignant now because one of my relatives has just been diagnosed with MND.”
As the buckets were turned over, Stratford’s firefighters turned on their hoses.
You can see a video of the event at www.officialwmas.wordpress.com .
To donate to the UK Motor Neurone Disease Association, text ICED55 followed by the amount you wish to donate to 70070 or visit www.mndassociation.org
Ends