Action for Kids sacked a fundraiser who completed the London Marathon in a giant snail suit because he failed to hit his targets.

Lloyd Scott, who was on a six-month contract with the charity, had raised £20,000 by the time he was fired, 11 days after he finished the Marathon, for not reaching his target. His target is understood to have been in the six-figures. Scott has blamed the sluggish economic environment for not raising the funds.

In a statement Action for Kids said that the board’s decision was made on the basis of the losses made by the charity as a result of Scott’s high-profile fundraising effort. While Sally Bishop, founder of the charity, said that the snail stunt had raised the profile of Action for Kids, it had not brought in the necessary funds. 

"Due to limited resources, like all charities Action for Kids must make sure that we make the best possible use of our limited funds,” said Bishop.

"Our priority is always to our donors, and the children and families we support. So it is with regret we had to take this decision."