Physicist Stephen Hawking accepted the ice bucket challenge, but did it via proxies due to health concerns.
Physicist Stephen Hawking accepted the ice bucket challenge, but did it via proxies due to health concerns.
Many have been expecting Hawking would participate due to the fact that he’s been living with an ALS-related condition for several decades.
He was diagnosed at the age of 21 and today is almost completely paralyzed.
His acceptance of the challenge was filmed, and in the video he explains that he had pneumonia a year ago, so being exposed to the chilly water isn’t advisable.
Hawking’s three children, Tim, Robert, and Lucy bravely volunteered to do it on his behalf.
Prior to daughter and sons being doused, the physicist asks viewers to donate to the Motor Neuron Disease Association so the illness can one day be eliminated.
After that, all three children and one grandchild make good on their offer.
As part of the challenge is nominating others to take it, Hawking ends the segment with a list of those he’d like to see step up.
He names the director of the Science Museum and both the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge.
The Hawking family also expresses their thanks to the many who nominated them.
