Former orthodontist receives special award from The Princess Royal
A Devon man with motor neurone disease (MND) has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to fundraising by the MND Association’s Royal Patron HRH The Princess Royal.
Joff Machell, 56, from Exeter, was presented with the award by The Princess Royal at a special event held at Blenheim Palace in July, which celebrated the vital contribution volunteers make to people affected by MND.
Joff was recognised for the inspirational way he responded to his MND diagnosis, overcoming the devastating end to his much-loved career in orthodontics and channelling his energy into fundraising and raising awareness.
In under a year, Joff has raised more than £75,000 for the MND Association through his popular cold-water dips, inspired by his love of the great outdoors and his Cornish roots. Joff received the ‘We think big’ award – named after one of the Association’s values – in line with his infectious optimism and energy.
MND is a terminal, neurological disease which attacks the nerves which send messages to the muscles. Within months, MND can take away someone’s voice and the ability to move. Six people are diagnosed with MND every day in the UK and 5,000 people are living with the disease at any one time.
Joff said: “When I was diagnosed with MND I felt like my whole life was falling apart. All I could do was cry and hold my wife and think of all the negative things. I thought, ‘I’ve got to pull myself together here’. So I embarked on a journey of fundraising which was been the most amazing fun.
“It was absolutely magical to receive my award from HRH The Princess Royal, and incredibly special to share with my wife, Pamela and my parents Richard and Elizabeth. It was a very happy, memorable day that I will take with me and it means the world to my family to have been part of it.”
Sarah Armstrong, Relationship Fundraiser for the MND Association said: “Joff’s resilience, positivity and determination have brought people together, increased awareness of MND and inspired countless others.
“Through media interviews, podcasts, social media and connections with influential figures, he has helped bring greater visibility to MND and encouraged valuable conversations. Just as importantly, he offers friendship, encouragement and understanding to others with the disease.
“Joff focuses on what he can do, approaches life with gratitude and inspires others through his resilience, optimism and generosity. He truly embodies 'We think big’.”
‘Extraordinary impact’
Volunteers have been an integral to the Association from the very beginning, founding the Association in October 1979 after recognising the need for more support for people affected by MND.
Today, volunteers organise events to raise funds and awareness, campaign for change, create spaces for shared companionship at support groups and offer trusted guidance and information about the Association’s support.
Donate to Joff’s fundraiser:https://www.justgiving.com/page/jon-machell-7
Find out more about MND and the MND Association on our website:mndassociation.org
