Benedict Cumberbatch recalled taking part in the Ice Bucket Challenge a whopping six times as he urged Londoners to brave the water for an upcoming charity swim.

The Sherlock star, 41, said he was doused in freezing water many times to raise awareness of motor neurone disease (MND) when the challenge went viral in 2014.

He is now asking people to show their support for those affected by the illness again, this time with the London City Swim.

Benedict Cumberbatch
Cumberbatch is patron of the Motor Neurone Disease Association (Matt Crossick/PA)

Cumberbatch, who is patron of the Motor Neurone Disease Association, said: “As someone who stripped off and got doused in ice cold water SIX times as part of the Ice Bucket Challenge three years ago, I remember very vividly how so many millions of us did our bit to help raise awareness of MND and support those people living with the disease.

“A fantastic amount of money was donated but scientific research is incredibly expensive, and my friend Professor Stephen Hawking and his team want to raise money to analyse the genomes of 15,000 people with MND, including thousands of people living in the UK with the disease.

“This work will get the world closer to finding a cure to MND.

“To help raise money please take part in the London City Swim, happening in east London’s Royal Victoria Docks on Friday.”

The star went on: “I am told the water is tested every two weeks against EU bathing regulations to ensure perfect purity for open water swimming – apparently it’s slightly salty but really clean and pleasant to swim in.

“Do join hundreds of other swimmers in supporting the event.”

The sponsored swimming event is held annually and has raised millions of pounds towards research and awareness in aid of motor neurone disease.

It takes place at Royal Victoria Dock at 4pm on Friday September 22.