‘Time is limited’ - Exeter orthodontist raises £45k after MND diagnosis

Just weeks after being told he has a terminal illness with no cure, a well-known Exeter orthodontist has raised more than £45,000 to help others facing the same diagnosis.

Jon “Joff” Machell, who worked at Exeter Orthodontics for 25 years, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in October 2025 after first noticing symptoms earlier in the year.

The father-of-two began experiencing problems with his speech while on a snowboarding trip to Austria in March.

“I was on a snowboarding trip in Austria which involved some really fun times on and off the slopes,” he said. 

“One evening, a good friend of mine asked how much I had been drinking, but the reality was that for some strange reason my speech was becoming slurred because my muscles were not working normally.”

He also began noticing changes at work.

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“At the same time, back at work, I noticed my typing was not as accurate as it used to be, so I decided to contact my GP for advice.”

What followed were months of medical investigations, including an MRI scan to rule out a brain tumour. 

At one stage he tested positive for Lyme disease, which initially appeared to explain his symptoms given his love of the outdoors, keeping alpacas and wild swimming. 

However, further assessments, including a referral to a speech and language therapist, raised wider concerns.

“When the diagnosis came, the consultant neurologist was very kind, but the information was grim,” Joff said. 

“He explained I had MND and while the progress of the disease is variable, there is no cure and time is limited.”

“I held tight to my wife Pamela’s hand and walked out of the hospital entrance into the sunshine.”

“Everything felt surreal and it was as though I had been hit by a car. I promptly fell apart and started sobbing uncontrollably.”

Motor neurone disease affects the brain and spinal cord, attacking the nerves that control movement so that muscles gradually stop working. 

There is currently no cure. Six people are diagnosed with MND every day in the UK.

After taking time with his wife and children to process the news, Joff decided to channel his energy into fundraising for the MND Association, the UK’s largest charity dedicated to supporting people affected by the disease and funding research.

“I realised that blubbing all day and letting the negative emotions take over wouldn’t help and that I had to pick myself up, dust myself down and find a sense of purpose,” he said.

Joff had recently celebrated 25 years at Exeter Orthodontics but stopped work in November to focus on time with family and friends.

“I really loved my job at Exeter Orthodontics, the lovely kind staff and wonderful patients and parents.” 

“I had just celebrated 25 years of working there and was incredibly sad to have to stop work in November.”

A keen swimmer who previously completed an 11-mile charity swim across Lake Windermere in 2023, Joff said long-distance endurance challenges are no longer possible due to muscle weakness. 

Instead, he has launched a series of cold-water dips and shorter swims in scenic locations to raise awareness and funds.

“I have always loved swimming and surfing and I plan to take part in lots of dips and swims in a variety of beautiful locations with family and friends,” he said.

“I grew up in St Ives in Cornwall, so swimming and surfing has always been really important to me. It’s sociable and the endorphins really help with my mental health.

“The campaign has been brilliant so far and I’m incredibly grateful and humbled by the kindness and generosity of everyone who has supported me.”

Since launching his JustGiving page on 31 December 2025, more than £45,000 has been donated. 

The funds will go directly to the MND Association to support care services, provide practical and financial assistance to families, and fund research into potential treatments.

In a message on his fundraising page, Joff wrote: “In October 2025, my life changed when I was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), a devastating, progressive condition with no cure.

“By sponsoring me your money will help people affected by Motor Neurone Disease.”

The MND Association says it works to improve access to care, campaign for better support and fund research aimed at finding new treatments and, ultimately, a cure.

Despite his diagnosis, Joff said he remains focused on making a difference for others.

“Every pound raised matters,” he said. “If this can help even one family facing MND, then it’s worth it.”