HE's done it. Saints legend Franny Benali has completed his 1,400-mile fundraising run and cycle ride across the country.

It was an emotional homecoming that the Saints legend will never forget.

Two years ago he completed the challenge of a lifetime when he ran to all 20 Premier League grounds, raising more than £250,000 for Cancer Research.

But he has bettered that gruelling feat by pushing his body to the limit one more to boost his fundraising to £356,000 for cancer sufferers across the UK.

At Saints’ 3-1 win over Burnley the 47-year-old dad-of-two came home to a huge applause as he completed his epic charity challenge which saw him visit all 44 Premier League and Championship grounds for Cancer Research The run saw him covering at least 100 miles a day, where he would run a marathon distance of 26.2 miles and then cycle the remaining distance.

Before he began, he said: “The agony I will feel during this fortnight will be nothing compared to the pain of cancer sufferers and their families.”

The last leg of the journey saw Franny start at the Ageas Bowl in West End, then along Marshall Drive, Botley Road, High Street, Maybray King Way Bitterne Road West, Northam Bridge, Northam Road and Britannia Road.

Along the way hundreds of fans lined the streets to cheer on the exhausted former defender.

At half-time at the stadium he was received with huge cheers from Saints fans, who sung his name as he jogged around the pitch. He was then hugged by Saints legend Lawrie McMenemy and his family.

The finishing tape was held by young cancer sufferers Joe Scully, 14, and Josh Carrington, 10, whose stories have helped inspire Franny as he has battled through the pain barrier on his 1,400-mile trek.

He ran the last leg of his journey despite suffering from a torn hamstring and a sore Achilles.

Speaking to the Daily Echo afterwards, he said: “It was absolutely staggering. I’m completely taken me aback by the reception. I am extremely grateful.

“To feel the love and appreciation by the supporters was incredible.

“The main purpose was to raise money for Cancer Research UK and I hope donations will continue to come in because I really want to raise as much money as possible.

“Support has come in so many shapes and forms, from a phone call or a message, and that little bit of support has given me a lift.”

Speaking about what drove him on when his body didn’t want to continue, he said: “Having that desire and drive and I set out to complete this challenge I wanted to complete two years ago and to do that it pushed me physically, mentally and emotionally.

“It pushed my limits, it was just extreme, there was all the niggly injuries and there was the pain. I tried to block it out as much as I could. It was tough to get through it and I could not have done it without the support of my family and my team, and the support out there, and for that I am incredibly grateful.

“I hope the challenge does not only make a difference through donations but will inspire people to do a challenge in life and live a healthier lifestyle.”

“The aim was to help with raising money for Cancer Research UK and if it can make a difference to people’s lives that will make me a very happy man.”

At the game each seat inside the stadium came with a Benali mask which fans wore with pride. On his final leg he was cheered by Saints fans along the way, including huge cheers in West End.

He started the challenge on October 2 at AFC Bournemouth’s stadium. He has gone through at least three pairs of trainers, burnt more than 70,000 calories and taken more than 880,000 steps.

Along the way he met friends who supported him, was cheered on by thousands of well wishers and some ex-professionals including Matthew Le Tissier who even jogged with him along the way.

To find out more about the challenge visit http://www.benalisbigrace.com/ and to donate text Fran to 70200 to give £5.