SAINTS legend Francis Benali has been undergoing test in hospital after temporarily stopping his mammoth IronFran challenge today.

The decision to medically retire Franny while he seeks further medical attention was taken this morning.

It comes after the former Southampton FC full back arrived in Farnborough last night at the end of his fourth Iron Man distance triathlon.

Daily Echo:

The decision means that Francis will not take part today but it is hoped he will resume his challenge tomorrow.

Instead his family and support team have decided to take on the challenge today in his place.

The 50-year-old had aimed to complete seven Ironman-distance triathlons in as many days, starting in Manchester on Monday.

He expected to spend up to 18 hours a day completing a 2.4 mile swim, a 112-mile cycle and a 26.2-mile run.

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Saint fans have taken to the streets across the UK to cheer on Franny as he continues his Iron Man events in the hope of raising £1 million for Cancer Research.

The challenge is expected to finish at Southampton Civic Centre on Sunday.

A spokesperson for IronFran this morning said: “Medically we have been forced to make the regrettable decision to retire Franny from his IronFran challenge today.

“This decision has not been taken lightly but follows the recommendation of his sports therapist.

Daily Echo:

"This morning Franny will receive further medical assessment from doctors in the hope that he will be able to return to complete his epic challenge tomorrow and return home to Southampton this weekend.

“Franny has been fully involved in making this decision but is obviously hugely disappointed to not be back in the pool and on the road today.

“This is not Fran quitting, this is a medical decision and his family and support team have decided they will continue IronFran on his behalf today – swimming, cycling and running for Franny. We would urge everyone to continue to show their support and turn out and cheer the team on and help Franny get to his £1m goal for Cancer Research UK.”