Ice Bucket Challenge creator ‘named Communicator of the Year at PRWeek Awards’

The creator of last year's successful amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ASL) Bucket Challenge was named Communicator of the Year at the recent PRWeek Awards ceremony.

Peter Frates was diagnosed with ALS, which is a progressive neurodegenerative condition commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s or motor neurone disease, in 2012.

He refused to let his diagnosis keep him down and instead, encouraged internet users across the world to take part in the challenge to raise awareness and funds for the disease.

His mother, Nancy Frates, accepted the award on her son's behalf as he is now incapacitate and too ill to travel. Her passionate remarks about Mr Frates' journey brought many of the 950-strong audience to tears.

The Ice Bucket Challenge caught the attention of the general public and celebrities alike, established an unprecedented social media phenomenon and raised more than $220 million (148.7 million pounds) for the ALS Association.

Steve Barrett, editor-in-chief for PRWeek, said the awards are a celebration of PR and the company is incredibly proud of the esteem the accolades have within the industry.

"But, just as importantly, it was also a tribute to the strength of human spirit in the face of adversity and the enduring power of storytelling so movingly demonstrated by Pete and Nancy Frates," he added.