TWO Herefordshire women have praised the social media "ice bucket challenge" which has raised more than half a million pounds for the charity fighting the disease that killed their dads.

The challenge sees participants pour a bucket of ice water over their head before making a donation to charity and nominating others to do the same.

It started in America before quickly spreading to other counties including the UK, raising funds and awareness for the Motor Neurone Disease Association – also known as ALS or Lou Gerhig's Disease.

And in just two weeks, the association has received more than 100,000 donations, raising more than half a million pounds.

Hereford's Jade Marsh has taken part twice – along with her mum Angie Marsh – in memory of her dad Dylan Toney who lost his battle with the disease in December 2013.

"Because Motor Neurone Disease is rare, it gets very little exposure, and very little funding," said Miss Marsh, 23.

"It seems a trivial task, but when you do the ice bucket challenge and share it on a social media site, you really are speaking out to so many, and raising awareness of a disease which is truly devastating and currently has no cure."

Jade's nomination came from Melissa Price, from Leominster, whose dad Paul Price was killed by the disease in November 2012.

And while some people have criticised the challenge for being a "social media fad", both young women are delighted that it has given MND so much exposure.

"I try to ignore any criticism and accept that everyone has their own opinion, but nobody can deny the positive impact it has had," said Jade.

"I truly hope that the ice bucket challenges keep coming in and awareness and donations keep being raised. When the just giving page was originally set up, a £500 target was added, but as we have soared past half a million, we are now positive we will see the MNDA reach £1m."

MND is a progressive disease that attacks the motor neurones, or nerves, in the brain and spinal cord. This means messages gradually stop reaching muscles, which leads to weakness and wasting. MND kills five people in the UK every day.

To donate to the motor neurone disease association visit justgiving.com/icebucket4mnd or text ICED55 £(amount) to 70070.