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United Start And Finish For Benali's Big Run
Written by Newcastle Utd
Having started at St. James' Park, ex-Southampton defender Francis Benali will complete a gruelling charity run at St. Mary's today
By Tom Easterby
Former Southampton defender Francis Benali will complete his monumental charity fundraising challenge by running to St. Mary's Stadium in time for kick-off between the Saints and Newcastle United on Saturday.
The 45-year-old has run to every single Barclays Premier League ground since beginning his challenge last month - the equivalent of 35 marathons in three weeks - with his starting point coincidentally St. James' Park.
And Benali, who played more than 300 games in 16 years on the south coast, will tick off the final ground on his list - the home of the club where he is regarded as a legend - this weekend, raising thousands of pounds for Cancer Research in the process, having covered almost 1,000 miles on foot.
United manager Alan Pardew lauded Benali's mammoth effort and said he's not in any way surprised by the former left-back's charitable achievement, such is his strength of character both on and off the pitch.
"He's somebody I know well - he's a great person," said Pardew.
"He's got a fantastic mentality to make that kind of effort because when he played, he was a winner. Hats off to him if he completes it, but it wouldn't surprise me because he's that sort of person - he's a great guy, and good luck to him."
For more information about Benali's Big Run, visit www.benalisbigrun.com.