AC/DC guitarist Angus Young has donated more than $19,000 to an Alzheimer’sdisease charity after learning of a Canadian hockey ref’s skating marathon meant to raise money for the disease.

>> Read more trending news  

Steve McNeil, of Toronto, Ontario, has been traveling to skate for 19 hours and 26 minutes in each of Canada's NHL cities to raise awareness and money for local Alzheimer’s disease charities, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reported. McNeil is skating in honor of his mother, who died of the disease, and in honor of AC/DC guitarist Malcolm Young, who died of dementia in 2017.

The challenge is named #1926skate in honor of the year of McNeil’s mother’s birth.

Angus Young and his wife, Ella, came across an article about McNeil’s 19-hour skates and wanted to support the fundraiser, Young’s accountant, Vicky Granados, said. He donated $19,260 to the Alzheimer Society of Ontario, the society confirmed to the CBC.

“It's funny how things work in the world, but rock ’n’ roll is such a powerful tool. This is AC/DC. This could open so many doors,” McNeil said.

Malcolm Young founded AC/DC with his younger brother, Angus, CBC reported. He played rhythm guitar, sang backing vocals and co-wrote many of the band’s songs. Malcolm Young was diagnosed with dementia in 2014 and died of the disease in 2017 at the age of 64.

McNeil said he listens to AC/DC during his 19-hour skates to keep himself motivated.

"It's like touching an emotional lottery. You've got to understand, this is what's been my driving force," he said.

"When I go out in these conditions, that's all I listen to because it's my tribute to Angus and the boys — because I know they lost a big part of their family."

More information can be found at the event’s website.