Fatboy Slim to take 26-mile stroll along the snail trail

DJ Fatboy Slim is to take on a 26-mile challenge to complete Brighton and Hove's super snail trail.
DJ Fatboy Slim is swapping his moniker to Fatboy Slow for one day only, as he walks rather than runs a marathon for Snailspaces #BeMoreSnail day on October 19DJ Fatboy Slim is swapping his moniker to Fatboy Slow for one day only, as he walks rather than runs a marathon for Snailspaces #BeMoreSnail day on October 19
DJ Fatboy Slim is swapping his moniker to Fatboy Slow for one day only, as he walks rather than runs a marathon for Snailspaces #BeMoreSnail day on October 19

But like the snails he’ll be visiting, he will take it slow by walking.

Snailspace is a fundraising arts trail by Martlets Hospice in Hove, which features 50 giant snails, each uniquely designed, dotted around the city.

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DJ Fatboy Slim is swapping his moniker to Fatboy Slow for one day only, as he walks rather than runs a marathon for Snailspaces #BeMoreSnail day on October 19DJ Fatboy Slim is swapping his moniker to Fatboy Slow for one day only, as he walks rather than runs a marathon for Snailspaces #BeMoreSnail day on October 19
DJ Fatboy Slim is swapping his moniker to Fatboy Slow for one day only, as he walks rather than runs a marathon for Snailspaces #BeMoreSnail day on October 19

DJ Fatboy Slim, aka Norman Cook, is a Brighton resident and Martlets ambassador, and wanted to do something that embodies the spirit of the #BeMoreSnail message.

Kayla Fuller gives the snail sculptures a quick wipe at the launch of the Snailspace Art Trail on Brighton  Palace Pier (Photograph: Simon Dack/Vervate) SUS-180913-131403001Kayla Fuller gives the snail sculptures a quick wipe at the launch of the Snailspace Art Trail on Brighton  Palace Pier (Photograph: Simon Dack/Vervate) SUS-180913-131403001
Kayla Fuller gives the snail sculptures a quick wipe at the launch of the Snailspace Art Trail on Brighton Palace Pier (Photograph: Simon Dack/Vervate) SUS-180913-131403001
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He said: “I was thinking about a fundraising challenge I could take on as part of the Snailspace campaign. When Brighton had Snowdogs a few years ago my daughter, Nelly and I did the whole trail, but we cheated a bit by going by car and we spread it over two days.

“So, completing the whole trail in one day was an obvious idea, and, as I’m a little bit of a runner and as the distance is about 26 miles, I thought about a marathon taking in every snail. But, as I started thinking about the whole #BeMoreSnail idea, taking things at your own pace, I thought hang on, let’s not run it, let’s walk it.

“The more I thought about it the more I wanted to embrace the idea of slowing down. By walking it is a far more sociable affair, I can get a selfie at each snail, chat to people as I’m walking, and can really embody the motto of #BeMoreSnail. I’m really hoping people will sponsor me ahead of the challenge and on the day.

“So, one day, 26 miles and 50 snails – lets do this!”

Norman Cook (left) aka Fatboy Slim with artist Martin Middleton aka Cassettelord with their snail at the launch of the Snailspace Art Trail(Photograph: Simon Dack/Vervate) SUS-180913-131327001Norman Cook (left) aka Fatboy Slim with artist Martin Middleton aka Cassettelord with their snail at the launch of the Snailspace Art Trail(Photograph: Simon Dack/Vervate) SUS-180913-131327001
Norman Cook (left) aka Fatboy Slim with artist Martin Middleton aka Cassettelord with their snail at the launch of the Snailspace Art Trail(Photograph: Simon Dack/Vervate) SUS-180913-131327001

He’ll be taking on the challenge on Friday, October 19, which is also the campsign’s #BeMoreSnail Day.

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The idea behind the #BeMoreSnail message is to slow down, appreciate what’s around you and spend a bit more time with people you love. It’s a philosophy that resonates with the care provided by Martlets, organisers of Snailspace.

On the day, Martlets is challenging everyone in the city to #BeMoreSnail.

Norman will be setting off from Big Beach Café and will visit every giant gastropod on the Snailspace route.

Norman Cook and Martlets nurses launch Snailspace at Brighton Palace Pier (Photograph: Simon Dack/Vervate) SUS-180913-131339001Norman Cook and Martlets nurses launch Snailspace at Brighton Palace Pier (Photograph: Simon Dack/Vervate) SUS-180913-131339001
Norman Cook and Martlets nurses launch Snailspace at Brighton Palace Pier (Photograph: Simon Dack/Vervate) SUS-180913-131339001

He will be joined by friends and family at different stages throughout the day and is aiming to raise at least £5,000 for Martlets life-changing care.

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Norman said he has personal experience of the care provided by Martlets so understands how important the work of the hospice is to the community it serves.

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Local teacher, Gordon, 39, spoke about his experience of Martlets care. Earlier this year he was diagnosed with early on-set Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

Gordon explained what being under the care of Martlets has meant for him and his family.

“The diagnosis of a terminal illness with a median life expectancy of three years was a complete shock,” he said. “Not only have I needed to get my head around issues with mortality but also getting my house in order, before I check out. That’s not something you envisage needing to do at the age of 39, but Martlets is helping me cope with every aspect of the journey.

“Martlets is so much more than end of life care. The support I’ve received has included how to deal with different symptoms as and when they arise or get worse. I’ve also received guidance for how to broker the news with my children and how to talk about work.

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“Not only have I received services to aid in my initial diagnosis, like speech and language therapy, but Martlets offers a whole other holistic side to the care here, including counselling, Reiki, and massages for me and my wife. And, I have to say, even though the gravity of the situation is serious and life-changing, if I didn’t have this kind of provision available, it would make it all so much harder.”

To support Norman on his epic walk and to help local people like Gordon visit: www.themartlets.org.uk/norm and donate online.

Or text SLOW18 £5 to 70070 to give £5.

Snailspace launched on Saturday, September 15, and runs until Sunday, November 18.

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