GIVEN the commitment and dedication Franny Benali put into his phenomenal charity run, it is only natural that the spotlight focused on him.

He was the one who set off from Newcastle three weeks ago and he was the one who crossed the finishing line at St Mary’s on Saturday.

He was the one whose steps have raised almost £120,000 for cancer research.

But despite the attention and praise lavished upon him, the Saints legend is uncomfortable viewing Benali’s Big Run as an individual effort.

Daily Echo:

ABOVE: Franny and Saints chairman Ralph Krueger.

Daily Echo:

ABOVE: Franny with a Saints flag.

Daily Echo:

ABOVE: Franny running on the pitch at St Mary's.

Whether in body or in spirit, his family have been with him every step of the way.

Wife Karen and children Luke and Kenzie drove cars, provided food, helped treat his tired legs and documented the whole experience.

There were some difficult times, and on one occasion Franny broke down and sobbed in Karen’s arms.

But watching the family laughing and joking yesterday, it appears they’re dwelling on the positives.

Karen says: “The children dropped everything in their lives to support their dad.

Southampton Football Club made such an effort – they couldn’t have been more accommodating and couldn’t have done more.

“Ralph [Krueger, club chairman] was great.”

Krueger actually ran alongside Benali for a short while on Saturday morning.

Daily Echo:

Daily Echo:

Daily Echo:

Daily Echo:

ALL ABOVE: Banners for Benali at St Mary's.

For Kenzie, what demonstrated the effect her dad’s achievement had was meeting people along the way who have been helped by the work of cancer research.

She said “One woman just said ‘now I’m getting better’ and when you help people likethat, you realise how incredible it is.”

Luke, who ran with Franny and covered the equivalent of close to 100 miles, says: “I tried to do 20-mile stints because he wanted someone there for support.

It was unbelievable and the run into St Mary’s was incredible.

“The reception will stay with me for the rest of my life.”

But he doesn’t pause for a second when it’s suggested he might want to one day follow in his father’s 1,000-mile footsteps.

“No chance.”