Man with Motor Neurone Disease Keeps Woodwork Passion Alive

By Josh Brine

ABC South East SA

Topic: Motor Neurone disease

Fri 19 Jun 2026 at 10:00am

David Quill has motor neurone disease, but he still works in his workshop.

In short:

David Quill has had motor neurone disease for over a decade.

Since his diagnosis, Mr Quill has worked on many projects for himself and his family.

What's next?

Mr Quill wants to raise awareness of what it's like to live with motor neurone disease.

David Quill loves his workshop at home near Mount Gambier.

After working in the timber industry, he still does woodwork at 78 despite his illness.

David Quill makes furniture and cutting boards, which he can do with one hand.

With help from neighbours and friends, he can keep doing woodwork for a long time.

David Quill can do much of his woodwork with one hand.

Now he sells some of his work to raise money and awareness for motor neurone disease.

A decade with MND

In 2010, Mr Quill noticed something was wrong.

He was walking in a paddock in north Queensland and kept tripping.

His friends were laughing because he was dragging his feet.

Over the next few years, his condition got worse before he was diagnosed in 2012.

Mr Quill said hearing his prognosis was very sad.

Why me? What did I do wrong?

David Quill combines timber to make patterns for his boards.

Mr Quill has had motor neurone disease for about 14 years.

He can't walk and can't use one arm, but he can still use a motorised wheelchair.

He thanks his doctors, support agencies, and his wife Lil for their help.

His wife's support has been great.

Mr Quill spends hours in his workshop every day now that he's retired.

David Quill sells his boards to help people with motor neurone disease.

One of the hardest things was giving up flying airplanes.

Handing in my driver's licence wasn't fun.

We've been lucky with travel, job satisfaction, and friends.

Light in a dark situation

Mr Quill tries to stay positive about his illness.

You can give up or try to beat the disease.

MND SA CEO Samantha Mead said there are many costs for people with motor neurone disease.

The costs of physical supports are very high.

The cost to carers and the patient's mental health is also high.

Samantha Mead says MND SA helps people live with dignity.

Dr Mead said it's hard for people to stay positive with such challenges.

She encourages people to reach out to organisations like MND SA for support.

You have a big challenge in your life.

Try to live the best life you can while dealing with this disease.

The way people handle this disease is amazing.

Reflecting on Neale's legacy

Mr Quill sells his handmade cutting boards to help fight motor neurone disease.

I hope my work can help someone else with this disease.

It's rewarding to think I can help.

David Quill was a fan of Neale Daniher's fundraising efforts.

Mr Quill watched Neale Daniher's battle with motor neurone disease over the years.

There are many forms of motor neurone disease.

Neale lost his voice, but my voice is still okay.

Neale could walk until the end, but I haven't walked for eight years.

I hope Neale was comfortable and with friends when he passed away.

Dr Mead said people like Neale Daniher help raise awareness of motor neurone disease.

Neale Daniher also had motor neurone disease for over a decade.

Neale put motor neurone disease on a national platform.

Mr Quill hopes people will find answers to questions about motor neurone disease.

People now understand more about this disease and are trying to help.

If you get this diagnosis, you can try to stay positive.

I'm hoping to live a long life.

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