A CHARITY boss is the latest to take on the ice bucket challenge.

Barbara Gubbins, chief executive of the County Durham Community Foundation, volunteered to have a bucket of icy water dumped over her head to raise money for research into Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

The stunt was in memory of philanthropist Guy Readman, who died last week following a battle with MND.

She took the challenge at the Foundation offices in Meadowfield near Durham today (Friday, August 22).

Afterwards, she said: “It was a shock.

“It’s cold and even though you know what’s coming, it’s still a bit of a shock to the system.

“I think everybody enjoyed watching it.

“I knew Guy for over 15 years and as the ice bucket challenge has gone global recently to raise awareness and funds for the devastating condition that took Guy’s life, I decided it was the most appropriate way for me to pay homage to him.

“Knowing Guy’s sense of humour, I know he would have liked it.”

The ice bucket challenge has become an overnight phenomenon, with countless celebrities subjecting themselves to a dousing before nominating another to follow in their footsteps.

Mrs Gubbins has nominated Rob Williamson, chief executive of the Community Foundation in Tyne and Wear and Northumberland; David Harker, chief executive of Durham County Cricket Club; and Jeff Brown, a presenter on BBC Look North.

She is yet to hear whether they will accept.

To support the MND Association, visit mndassociation.org