SAINTS legend Franny Benali has smashed his £1m fundraising goal for Cancer Research UK just days after completing his challenge IronFran for the charity.

The 50-year-old, who is recovering from his gruelling challenge which saw him complete five Iron Man distance triathlons, was celebrating with his family today after learning he had hit the target overnight.

The milestone came just 48 hours after he returned home to a hero’s welcome in Guildhall Square, Southampton, where more than 1,000 people had turned out to cheer him home.

He said: “I am absolutely thrilled to have smashed my £1m goal for this amazing charity – it was the best news to wake up to this morning.

“As a family we are all quite emotional to have not only made it, but to have pushed beyond the target I set myself in 2014 and we will definitely be celebrating today.”

“I cannot thank everyone enough for the support they have shown me, for lining the streets, for making the banners, for popping up in the most obscure places to give me a wave and a cheer and for welcoming me home in such an incredible way on Sunday night. It was a night I will never forget for as long as I live.

“People have been so unbelievably generous and I would like to send my heartfelt thanks to each and every person who has donated. I know the money we have raised will make a huge difference and will ultimately change lives.

“I would also like to thank my support team for ensuring I got through the challenge, and for stepping up and completing it for me on the days I was made to withdraw.

“Last but not least I would like to say thank you to my wife Karen and our children Luke and Kenzie. They are my rock and without their support, this simply wouldn’t have happened.”

His challenge saw him attempt to complete seven Iron Man distance triathlons in seven days, swimming 2.4 miles, cycling 112 miles and completing a 26.2-mile marathon.

Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, said: “I would like to congratulate and thank Franny for his phenomenal achievement in raising £1m for Cancer Research UK.

“We have been in awe of his incredible determination to reach that goal since he started out on the first of three physically-demanding challenges five years ago.

“The money Franny has raised will help us bring forward the day when all cancers are cured, as well as develop kinder treatments.”