It seems like a distant memory now, but the ice bucket challenge was sweeping the globe this time last year, and thousands of people were being drenched to raise awareness of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

At the trend's peak, everyone from the milkman to Gwyneth Paltrow was filming themselves being soaked and nominating others to take part and donate.

It is believed that some 17 million people participated in the challenge.

But the craze soon sparked think pieces questioning how many of those who pledged to donate actually reached into their pockets.

Now, the ALS Association has revealed that 40 per cent of the $115million raised has been spent or budgeted.

Of the remainder, 67 per cent will go towards research. $5million of this portion will be dedicated to the Neuro Collaborative research group, which is creating stem cell lines from ALS patients that will mimic their nerve cells.

Some $23million will be spent on patient and community services, to help patients with their communication and movement, and includes initiatives from supplying iPads to head-mounted laser pointers.

A $10million portion is going towards educating the public as well as professionals such as doctors, while $3million will be sectioned off for further fundraising efforts. A $2million slice will be dedicated to processing donations.

bbabo.Net