Ice one James

Rutherglen and Cambuslang MSP James Kelly has joined thousands of others by taking on the ice bucket challenge this week.

James took up the task after being nominated by his brother Tony, with two separate buckets of ice cold water poured over his head outside his home in Cambuslang.

The MSP did the challenge to help raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, a cause close to his heart following the diagnosis of former Labour Party staff member Gordon Aikman, who has started up a campaign to combat the disease.

James said:“My two daughters were quick to volunteer to help pour the water, it was freezing but good fun and raises money and awareness for a great cause.’’

It’s the charity craze that has swept the nation, and residents in Rutherglen and Cambuslang are not being left out when it comes to completing the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.

Dozens of you have sent us your pictures of those who have completed the challenge.

Among them is a host of familiar faces, including Cambuslang football brothers Darren and Derek Young and Scotland rugby star, Duncan Weir.

Also completing the challenge was Rutherglen Glencairn gaffer Willie Harvey, who was nominated by player Dean Muir and committee member and Reformer correspondent, Peter Ferguson.

The manager was on the park during half-time of Saturday’s 4-0 win over Vale of Clyde when Dean and goalkeeper JC Hutchison got their own back for pre-season training by soaking their boss.

Afterwards, Willie said:“It’s a great cause.

“What people have to remember is they are doing it for a reason and the ice makes your nerves work the way someone with motor neuron disease nerves work all the time.

“Obviously it’s also about rasing money and that doesn’t need to be for MND. I picked Macmillan Cancer Research which is a charity close to my heart and close to Glencairn’s heart.

“You shouldn’t do the bucket challenge if you aren’t going to donate.”

Willie has challenged his entire playing and backroom staff to do the challenge as well as his wife and daughter.

It’s not just individuals getting in on the fun. Businesses are also getting involved, among them staff at the Mecca Bingo on Rutherglen Main Street carried out the challenge last week, going on to nominate their colleagues at the Mecca Quay.

The challenge dares nominated people to dump a bucket of icy water over themselves and film it for social media.

It was started to raise awareness of the disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).