Stephen Hawking takes part in ALS ice bucket challenge

Professor Hawking appearing in the ice bucket challenge video. Credit: YouTube/MND Association

Stephen Hawking has become the latest big name to take part in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge' to raise money for charity.

On a YouTube video the theoretical physicist, who suffers from Motor Neurone Disease, explains that it would "not be wise" for him to take on the challenge personally as he suffered a bout of pneumonia last year.

However his children Robert, Lucy and Tim "gallantly volunteered" to take the challenge in his place.

Professor Hawking follows the likes of Russell Brand, Harry Styles and Victoria Beckham in taking on the challenge.

The world-renowned scientist nominated the Vice-Chancellor and Chancellor of Cambridge University, along with the director of the Science Museum, Ian Blatchford.