More than £117,000 has been raised for the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association as supporters take to the water today for the “Brighton Big Chilly Dip”.
The event, held on Brighton Beach, is being led by Jon Machell, a former specialist orthodontist who was diagnosed with the condition in October 2025. The dip is taking place this afternoon, Friday 25 September, to coincide with the British Orthodontic Conference currently being held at the Brighton Centre.
Participants are expected to gather on the shingle directly in front of the conference venue following the conclusion of today’s lectures. The initiative has seen significant regional support, including backing from the MNDA West Sussex North and West Sussex South branches, which provide services and coordination for families across the Chichester area and the wider county.
Background and Fundraising
Mr Machell, who worked as a specialist orthodontist in Exeter for 25 years, was diagnosed with the disease in October 2025. Since then, fundraising efforts by Mr Machell and his friends have gained momentum, reaching the current total of £117,000 as of today.
The funds are being collected via a JustGiving page titled “Jon Machell 7,” with the proceeds going to the MND Association to support research and clinical care. According to The Probe, the event was specifically organised to engage the dental and orthodontic community during their annual national gathering in Brighton.
Motor Neurone Disease is a fatal, rapidly progressing condition that affects the brain and spinal cord. It attacks the nerves that control movement, eventually leaving people unable to move, talk, and eventually breathe. There is currently no cure.
Organisers have confirmed the dip will proceed this afternoon on the seafront, with the fundraising total expected to rise further as conference attendees and members of the public contribute to the campaign throughout the day.
