FRANCIS BENALI ON THE RUN – AGAIN!
Club News
3rd October
The former defender visits CCS on Monday afternoon...
Francis Benali has hit the road again for another “impossible challenge” in aid of Cancer Research UK.
The former Southampton FC defender has already raised £265,000 for the charity with his first phenomenal feat – running from Newcastle to Southampton via ever Premier League club in just three weeks!
It meant running around 50 miles a day to complete the 1,000-mile trek – and now Franny is taking on an even bigger challenge.
The TV pundit and motivational speaker is aiming to run and cycle to every Premier League and Championship club - running a marathon AND cycling at least 75 miles every day for a fortnight.
Benali’s gruelling route brings him to the Welsh capital at around 1:45pm on Monday afternoon, when he will be greeted at Cardiff City Stadium by Bluebirds forward Rickie Lambert and other well-wishers.
Benali said: “People said I was mad to do the first challenge – and after just a few hours I realised they were right!
“It was far tougher than I ever imagined, not just physically but mentally and emotionally. There were many times when I broke down and thought I could not complete it.
“But what kept me going was the reason for doing it. My pain and suffering were nothing compared to what cancer victims and their families go through.
“So now I am going to attempt something even more demanding and gruelling. I honestly don’t know if it will be possible but that’s what makes it such a unique challenge.”
After South Wales, Benali will head towards the North-West and North-East before trekking back to the south coast via the Midlands, East Anglia and London.
The 47-year-old aims to finish the two-week endurance feat at St Mary’s Stadium Southampton on October 16 in time for Saints’ home game against Burnley at 4pm.
Benali added: “The reception last time was incredible and hopefully people will be just as generous this time around. It really is a wonderful cause.
“I am hoping to top the previous figure with the money raised funding specific Cancer Research UK Immunotherapy Research across the country.”
For further information about Cancer Research UK's work or to find out how to support the charity, please call 0300 123 1022 or visit www.cancerresearchuk.org.
Cardiff City are proud to support Cancer Research Wales as the Club's official charity, alongside the Cardiff City FC Foundation. For more information, click on the banner below.
