Francis Benali is about to start the biggest challenge of his life and he now needs the fans of all Premier league teams to help him as he visits each one of their club's on his Big Run

Benali's Big Run is due to start on Sunday and the Saints legend will start at Newcastle and end at St Mary's, running around 40-50 miles each day and hopefully raising around £1 million pounds for Cancer Research along the way.

This is a typical gesture from a man who although had a fearsome reputation on the pitch was one of the nicest guys in football off it.

His former Saints team mate Alan Shearer will be there to start him off at St James Park and point him the direction of the Stadium Of Light the first miles of nearly 1,000 over what is hoped will be a three week period ending at St Mary's when Saints will be playing ironically enough Newcastle United.

The mind boggling challenge means Benali is training for around 39 marathons at once and has concluded he is reaching his athletic prime, speaking to the Daily Echo he said.

“It’s a hard one to answer, but I’m definitely feeling a lot fitter than I ever have,” Benali said.

“I’m really excited to get going. There’s been so much organisation. A lot of work has gone in and now I just can’t wait to get going.

“I’ve got a few little niggles still, a few days rest before I go will mean I’ll be ready on Sunday. But my body feels ready and I feel confident that I’ve put the work in that will see me get through the challenge ahead.”

Now Franny needs all football supporters to chip in and help him, perhaps going along to their club when he is passing by and offering a few words of encouragement and even a few quid into the bucket, all the information can be found on the website via the link below as well as the dates and times he will be at each club.

More information on the run can be found at

Benalis Big Run

Photo: Action Images

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