Saints legend Franny Benali given Freedom of Southampton after epic fundraising challenges
FORMER Saints star Francis Benali is set to receive the Freedom of Southampton following his epic charity challenge in October.
Southampton City Council is holding a special meeting later this month to agree the honour, which they say is "in recognition of his fundraising achievements for charitable causes".
The 47-year-old ran a marathon and cycled 75 miles (120km) each day for two weeks, visiting every Premier League and Championship stadium.
He staged the amazing feat two years after he ran to all 20 Premier League grounds, raising more than £250,000 for Cancer Research.
But last month he bettered that by pushing his body to the limit one more to boost his fundraising to £356,000 for cancer sufferers across the UK.
The 47-year-old dad-of-two came home to St Mary's at saint's home game against Burnley, to a huge applause as he completed his epic charity challenge which saw him visit all 44 Premier League and Championship grounds for Cancer Research.
The run saw him covering at least 100 miles a day, where he would run a marathon distance of 26.2 miles and then cycle the remaining distance.
The finishing tape was held by young cancer sufferers Joe Scully, 14, and Josh Carrington, 10, whose stories have helped inspire Franny as he has battled through the pain barrier on his 1,400-mile trek.
He ran the last leg of his journey despite suffering from a torn hamstring and a sore Achilles.
Speaking to the Daily Echo afterwards, he said: “It was absolutely staggering. I’m completely taken aback by the reception. I am extremely grateful."
The Freedom of the City will be another accolade to add to his collection of honours as he picked up a Just Giving Fundraiser of the Year following his first charity run.
Source: http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/