SAINTS legend Francis Benali has been given a huge boost before taking on his biggest challenge yet later this month.

The 50-year-old is preparing to take on his “IronFran” challenge later this month – swimming 2.4 miles, cycling 112 miles on a bike and then running a 26.2mile marathon every day for a week – in a bid to smash his £1m fundraising goal for Cancer Research UK.

Franny has now received £10,000 towards his cause from bungalow living company, RoyaleLife.

IronFran from April 29 to May 5 is the third and final challenge for Franny as he hopes to smash his £1m fundraising goal for Cancer Research UK.

Robert Bull, chief executive at RoyaleLife, whose headquarters are in Hampshire, said: “Franny is well-known for pushing his to the limits for charity, but this latest challenge really is the toughest yet.

“We were astounded when we heard what he was doing and started to explore how we could support him.

“Sadly, cancer affects far too many people and Franny’s tireless fundraising for Cancer Research UK is to be applauded.

“The fact that we have gyms and swimming pools at our developments means we can get right behind Franny.

“While we may not be quite ready for a marathon, we’ll certainly give it our best shot.”

Franny, a father-of-two, pictured inset, said: “Donations like this make all the difference and I’m so grateful to RoyaleLife for its generous support.

“It’ll help to keep me going throughout the challenge, which is certainly going to be my toughest yet.”

He’s thought to be the oldest man in the UK to take on such a gruelling challenge which will see him once again journey across England with the aim of raising vital funds for research.

It’s his most physical challenge yet but one he is determined he can complete – despite the fact he’s never undertaken a triathlon before.

His first challenge, Benali’s Big Run, was over three weeks and involved running to every Premier League club, up to 50 miles a day. Benali’s Big Race followed, over two weeks, and involved running a marathon and then cycling at least 75 miles each day between Premier League and Championship clubs.

During the week-long feat he will be supported by Karen, his children Luke and Kenzie, and family and friends.

He’s also set to meet cancer survivors, patients and CRUK scientists to help spur him on when the going gets tough.