Hundreds take part in MND fundraising sea dips

Hundreds of people have taken part in a sea dip to raise awareness about Motor Neurone Disease (MND), a degenerative condition that affects one in 300 people.

The event on Saturday at Marazion Beach, Cornwall, was one of a series of swims organised by Joff Machell, from Devon, who has MND. With each dip he also hopes to raise money for the MND Association to help fund a cure.

Machell, 56, said when he was diagnosed in October he felt his "life was falling apart".

"I found myself spiralling downwards and then I thought, what can I do to make a positive difference to people, and put something back into the MND community," he said.

MND Association said the life-shortening neurological condition affects the nerves controlling movement.

It causes progressive muscle weakness, which can affect how a person walks, talks, eats, drinks and breathes.

The charity's chiefs added a person's lifetime risk of developing MND is about one in 300.

Machell was joined by Olympic rower Helen Glover and Labour MP for Camborne, Redruth and Hayle, Perran Moon at the dip.

Glover said: "It's an illness that can affect anyone, not only Joff and sportspeople like Lewis Moody and Rob Burrows.

"I think when you see people who are fit and active, it's shocking to suddenly see they can't do the things they used to do."

She added: "I think you feel very privileged to be able to live a fit and healthy lifestyle.

"When that's snatched away from someone, you know it does feel such a loss."

Machell's wife Pamela said the turnout at the event had been "absolutely amazing" and the couple have so far raised about £80,000.

She said: "It's obviously a very emotional journey that we're all on, and it's very difficult and sad, and it seems really tragic that in this day and age there is no cure for MND.

"But today, we're celebrating life, and the loveliness of Joff, and trying to support the MND Association."

At sunset, St Michael's Mount was illuminated with the orange colours of the MND Association.

Glover said: "When you see how many people are here, wearing orange and supporting MND, it's one of those days when you feel really good.

"Out of a bad situation you can really see the positives."

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