A POPULAR Saints star gave one man the "surprise of a lifetime" to thank him for raising money for charity.

Nathan Redmond visited Southampton FC fan, Pete Daniel, at his work to say thank you after he raised more than £6,000 for Saints Foundation all to celebrate Giving Tuesday.

The 57-year-old, who also holds a season ticket at St Mary’s, has taken part in the charity’s Big Bike Challenge for the last two years – an epic three-day event that sees cyclists ride back to St Mary’s from all corners of the UK – as they raise vital funds for their work in the city.

To celebrate Pete’s efforts, Saints Foundation took the Southampton midfielder to Fawley Refinery, where he presented Pete with a signed, framed shirt in front of 50 of his colleagues.

Speaking about why he chose to support Saints Foundation, Pete said: “They do some great work in the community, working with young and elderly people. I am an avid Saints fan and I wanted to give something back.”

Pete was able to grab photos with Redmond before the two sat down to talk all things Big Bike Challenge.

This year sees the charity organise two challenges for budding cyclists. One, from Brighton & Hove Albion’s Amex Stadium to St Mary’s in May before crossing the channel for their first foray overseas in what will be the biggest challenge yet.

Setting off from Markus Liebherr’s hometown of Bulle, Switzerland, riders will tackle the week-long adventure that totals more than 630 miles.

Pete, who completed the last two rides from Manchester and Huddersfield, knows this one will be whole new kind of challenge.

“This is more than three times longer than our last two rides, so I am going to have to up my training. I’m really excited for the challenge and to keep supporting Saints Foundation," he said.

Nathan Redmond also paid tribute to Pete: “From everyone at the club, thank you for what you are doing.

"Every pound you raise really does make a difference to the city.

"You should be really proud of your efforts, so please keep doing what you’re doing because it really helps.”