AS HE took his final step across the finishing line yesterday, Danny Wallace did more than just complete the London Marathon.

The former Saints player, who suffers from multiple sclerosis, also completed the greatest challenge of his life.

Wallace, 42, was diagnosed with the neurological condition in 1996.

He suffers pins and needles in his hands and feet and severe pain down the right side of his body.

Walking is slow and painful and he has problems with his balance - he has fallen over several times while completing the marathon.

He said: "Crossing the finish line was absolutely brilliant. I had all my family cheering me on and there were lots of people clapping. I could not have asked for more."

As he walked the 26.2-mile course over six days Wallace was joined by friends and family.

On Wednesday brain-damaged former boxer Michael Watson, who walked the marathon in six days in 2003, joined him.

The pair have become friends having met at several charity events and it was Watson who inspired Wallace to attempt the marathon.

In a poignant gesture, Watson presented Wallace with his hard-earned medal at the finish line.

"It was brilliant," said Wallace who completed his marathon task at 5pm and was looking forward to celebrating his achievement by sharing a celebratory drink with family and friends.

"He gave me the inspiration to do it and it was great to see him at the finish."

Wallace has used his marathon attempt to raise funds for and the profile of his charity the Danny Wallace Foundation.

All the money is still being counted and will be used by the foundation to give grants to people suffering from multiple sclerosis to adapt their homes and buy equipment to make their lives more comfortable.

For more information about the Danny Wallace Foundation and to make a donation visit www.dannywallacefoundation. co.uk.

You can also send a cheque made payable to the Danny Wallace Foundation c/o Sally Churchward, Features Department, Daily Echo, Newspaper House, Test Lane, Redbridge, Southampton SO16 9JX.