Tony Bloom and Norman Cook light up Brighton fundraiser

More than 200 business leaders and die-hard football fans attended an Overcoming MS charity lunch.

The event heard Brighton & Hove Albion owner Tony Bloom talk about his hopes for this season, his love of horses and changes in the world of poker.

Tony also offered an insight into how he relaxes – episodes of the 1970’s comedy series Fawlty Towers, which have him laughing out loud at home with his family.

In the audience at The Amex stadium was Brighton’s favourite DJ, Norman Cook (Fat Boy Slim), who supported an auction to raise money for the MS charity.

Tony said: “The club is doing really well this season, especially bearing in mind the extra pressure of playing European football for the first time ever. I am so proud of the club and the performance of the players.”

Asked in a Q+A with Overcoming MS supporter and Sussex businessman Tim Cobb about his time as a world-ranking poker player, Tony said: “I really enjoyed my time as a part-time player, but the card players today can spend up to 30 hours a week studying a variety of algorithms and statistics to improve their chances. I have other commitments now.”

And questioned by Tim about how he relaxes in his spare time, Tony responded: “I love Fawlty Towers episodes. I have seen them all numerous times, but they still make me laugh.”

Norman Cook attended the event as a guest of restaurateur Razak Helalat, who runs Brighton hot-spots The Salt Room, Burnt Orange, Tutto and Coal Shed.

Norman offered exclusive tickets to a forthcoming event and afternoon tea, hosted by Norman, at his Hove Café.

“It was a great day and I was delighted to offer a couple of auction prizes to boost the coffers,” Norman said.

The lunch was organised by Tim Cobb of Cobb PR and raised nearly £25k for Overcoming MS. Tim was diagnosed with MS in 2012 and shared his story with guests at the lunch.

Alexandra Holden, Chief Executive of Overcoming MS, said she was delighted with the generosity of the Sussex community and with the raised profile that the lunch gave the charity.

“It was a great day and the team and I were delighted to be a part of it,” Alexandra said. “Overcoming MS is here for everyone with MS who wants to live a full and healthy life, giving hope for a brighter future with this debilitating disease. Overcoming MS helps people understand the condition and helps them discover pathways to a brighter future for this debilitating disease.”