Fatboy Slim in snail’s pace marathon to raise charity funds

Fatboy Slim has ditched his famous moniker as he walks the length of a marathon at a snail’s pace to raise money for charity.

Norman Cook changed his name to “Fatboy Slow” on Friday to promote a public art trail of 50 giant snail sculptures which is raising money to care for terminally ill people in Sussex.

The 55-year-old DJ decided to walk the 26-mile route around Brighton and Hove, visiting each and every uniquely designed mollusc in the Snailspace trail, in aid of The Martlets hospice.

Cook set off from the Big Beach Cafe he owns in Hove Lagoon where the sculpture he sponsored – decorated like a mix tape – stands outside before visiting the others positioned near city landmarks.

Accompanied by a band of supporters, he stayed on track but found his pace interrupted every few yards by groups of well-wishers keen to donate to the cause and fans stopping to pose for selfies.

A fifth of the way through his challenge, he was confident he would meet his target.

He said: “I suddenly realised this morning just how enormous this task is.

“At the moment it’s very novel and funny. It’s sunny, I’m feeling good, it’s going OK.

“But we haven’t got to the difficult part yet.”

The keen runner decided to “embrace the idea of slowing down” in line with the campaign’s message encouraging people to appreciate the world around them and spend time with loved ones.

Friends and family were planning to meet him towards the end of the challenge to cheer him at the moment he thinks he will begin to struggle.

Before he set off, Cook appeared on Good Morning Britain speaking about the event but viewers hit out when the conversation turned to Zoe Ball.

Some branded a question put to him by presenter Charlotte Hawkins as shameful when she asked how he felt about his ex-wife being promoted to host the BBC Radio 2 breakfast show.

Asked if he was proud of her, he replied: “She’s doing well. Well done Zo.”

Tiger Mare said on Twitter: “Very embarrassing interview end question. Cringing,” while Gary Derrick said: “Well that was a bit awkward.”

Cook has nearly reached his £5,000 fundraising target and continues to collect donations. To donate visit

https://www.themartlets.org.uk/Appeal/norms-snails-pace-challenge

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He joins celebrities including vlogger Alfie Deyes in supporting the campaign.

Turner-nominated artist David Shrigley designed one of the sculptures on the trail, which is open until November 18 before the models go up for auction.