Benali On Tour raises £16k for Saints Foundation
Francis Benali’s endurance challenge comeback saw him trek the South Downs Way with 30 fellow fundraisers, all in aid of Saints Foundation's work in the community.
Franny and his companions trekked 26.2 miles along the South Downs Way last Saturday (25 March), battling high winds and scaling steep inclines to complete their challenge in a hugely impressive 10 and a half hours.
Their collective fundraising has now raised over £16,000 – an incredible sum that Saints Foundation will use to provide life-changing support to people in Southampton.
Franny said: “I’m exhilarated and really pleased to raise such a huge total for Saints Foundation. I’m super proud of everyone who put the effort in and completed the challenge – there’s been a real bond and togetherness of spirit between us all.
“As an ambassador of the Foundation, I’ve been at the rock face of the work they do – all round the city, working with anyone from youngsters to older adults, and the difference that the Foundation makes to their lives is quite literally life-changing.
“You can’t underestimate the work that’s being done and the work that needs to be done still, in the future, so the ongoing need for funds and fundraising is always there.”
This was Saints Foundation’s first ever Benali On Tour, and Franny’s first foray back into endurance fundraising since his epic Iron Fran challenges in 2019.
The intention is for the tour to continue – as every Saints fan knows, you can never guess where a sticker of Franny Benali might pop up next…
Fancy taking on a challenge in aid of Saints Foundation? Our Saints Big Bike Challenge is back this May, helmed by another of our amazing ambassadors, Sam McQueen.
