SAINTS legend Francis Benali swapped his running gear for a smart black suit as he hosted a glitzy dinner to celebrate his remarkable charity exploits and raise even more money for Cancer Research UK.

The ex-Saints star completed a gruelling 1,000-mile, three week run between all of 20 Premier League grounds to raise funds for the charity last September.

And he capped it off with a gala dinner at St Mary’s at the weekened, where more than £50,000 was raised – bringing his total up to £263,000.

Guests at the event shelled out hundreds of pounds for tickets and shirts from all of the clubs he visited on his route were auctioned off, with two Saints shirts being sold for more than £2,500 each.

Benali said: “It was brilliant, an amazing night. It was nice to wrap up the big run and celebrate with a dinner.”

He described the generosity of the thousands of people who have donated as “incredible”, adding: “With their financial support, we’ve been able to raise more than a quarter of a million for charity.

“I’m extremely grateful and proud to be able to give the charity that sort of money.”

Click here to see our picture gallery from the event