Francis Benali Is Up And Running Again For Charity
Wednesday, 5th Oct 2016 13:32

Two years ago Francis Benali made an epic journey running to every Premier League Club in the name of charity, now he is at it again.

If there was a medal for a Professional footballer who gave back a hell of a lot more than he took from the game and truly backed up words with actions, then surely the first recipient of that medal would be Francis Benali, indeed if the size of the medal was in proportion to the blood sweat and tears that he has endured to raise money for charity, then Francis would have not been able to get out of his front door with it, let alone carry it around the country.

But such is the mark of the man, he does not do things like this for medals or even pats on the back, he does it because he is just a genuine nice guy and feels that as he has the opportunity to give something back to those less fortunate than himself, then he should do so.

These are not his words or indeed those of his press releases for this new challenge, but my own perception of the man having not only admired his dedication enjoyed his career at Saints, but also having met him on numerous occasions over the years.

This time he is aiming to get around all 44 Premier League & Championship clubs, starting off at AFC Bournemouth on 2nd October and ending up where else but at St Mary's just before Saints kick off against Burnley on Sunday 16th October.

But this time he will not be running all the way, he will be combining running and cycling, in the 14 day journey.

Every day he will run at least a marathon (26.2 miles) and cycle more than twice that amount, meaning that he will cover over 1,100 miles before he arrives at St Mary's at around 3.40pm on the 16th.

As of today he has raised just shy of £280 k of the £1 million he is looking to be able to donate to Cancer Research after the race.

Make no bones about it this will be agony, even the most dedicated of runners will not run 26 miles in a day that often and anyone who cycles would rarely do 52 miles in one hit, let alone do them both 14 days running.

But that is Francis Benali for you, if he is going to raise money for charity then he is not going to take the easy option and as those who saw the documentary on his last challenge will testify, it will certainly be painful.

But as Francis says himself.

"THE AGONY I WILL FEEL DURING THIS FORTNIGHT WILL BE NOTHING COMPARED TO THE PAIN OF CANCER SUFFERERS AND THEIR FAMILIES. "

It is easy for all of us to say a statement like that, but how many of us would be willing to go to such pain to help others ?

You can donate to Benali's Big Race and indeed follow his progress by clicking on the link below.

Benali's Big Race 2016

As Bob Geldof once said

"Just get your F***ing money out"

A good luck message from The Ugly Inside Video Channel

Photo: Action Images

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ChristchurchSaint added 16:12 - Oct 5

I had the privilege of meeting Franny several years ago, when he did a presention evening when my son was involved in playing Tyro football. He came along with his wife, did the presentations, but then stayed much longer just talking to the boys, parents, signing autographs and having photos taken. He is one of the few total credits to the game, and some of the overpaid, over-rated prima donnas in today's game could learn a great deal from following his example.
Well done Franny, if that was some of the other past players, it would be spread all over the nationals who would be calling for a knighthood for them!

ericofarabia added 10:10 - Oct 6

The term "Legend" is bandied about quite freely but in this case it is well deserved. The personal battles and hardships Franny is putting himself through for the benefit of others is truly amazing.
I think it is a bit of a disgrace that the EPL clubs he visits don't make more of an effort in actively making donations to the fund.awing attention to it locally.
Best of Luck Franny and hope you smash the million pound mark way ahead of schedule and make it through to the end successfully. Essentially 3 marathons a day for 2 weeks in simply an incredible feat of endurance and shows the determination and strength both physically and mentally that he has.

ericofarabia added 10:10 - Oct 6

SonicBoom added 11:26 - Oct 6 Does he have titanium knees? Most pro's find they have dodgy joints or backs when they retire. Franny is probably fitter now than he was back when he was playing! Incredible.
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