Fatboy Slim pushes Brighton woman in last leg of fundraiser for MND Association

The Hove DJ, real name Norman Cook, helped Lesley Mates over the finish line as she completed her 50-mile Push For MND fundraiser, in aid of the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA).

The musician, who is a big supporter of the MNDA as a member of his family died of the disease, said he wanted to add his support.

He said it was a “wonderful” thing that Lesley, who was diagnosed with MND two years ago, and her friend Jill Anderson had done.

Norman pushed Lesley over the finish line (Image: Jill Anderson)

“It was something I wanted to be a part of,” said Norman.

“It was wonderful that they were walking 50 miles.

“I joined them fashionably late. I was just lending my support to the cause.”

Motor neurone disease is a condition that causes the brain and nerves to weaken over time.

Read more: Woman with motor neurone disease takes on 50-mile challenge

It leads to slurred speech, muscle twitches and cramps, weight loss and difficulty stopping crying or laughing in inappropriate situations.

There is no cure, and it eventually leads to death.

MNDA helps people to live with the condition and offers support to those who are affected by it.

Push for MND was an initiative created by Jill that saw her push Lesley 50 miles throughout July across various flat areas in Sussex.

Jill had organised for Norman to surprise Lesley at the final stage of their challenge in July, but this had to be pushed back to September due to Lesley becoming seriously ill.

Norman sent a motivational video message to Lesley promising to meet her at the last stage when she was better.

He kept his promise, and on September 28 he pushed Lesley from his Big Beach Café in Hove to the i360 and back.

The international DJ is often fundraising for the charity.

Read more: Fatboy Slim hosts fundraiser for charity at Big Beach Cafe

Norman with Lesley and friends and family who took part in the challenge (Image: Jill Anderson)

“He was so lovely,” said Jill.

“He really made Lesley smile and gave her a boost.

“When I first met her, she showed me a picture of her meeting him.”

Jill met Lesley through the association after she became a volunteer, following her mum’s death from the condition 12 years ago.

The women, who are both from Brighton, instantly became friends and have been fundraising for the association ever since.

The team, which was also made up of friends and family and other people with MND, was greeted with blue skies for the final leg of the journey.

More than £6,000 has been raised so far through the fundraiser.