Francis Benali, the former Southampton defender, covered the 26.2 miles on a treadmill in his garden in place of the cancelled London Marathon as part of the 2.6 Challenge.
And Benali had great company, although not in person, as along the way he was “joined” by ex-teammate Matt Le Tissier for a remote five-mile stint.
Benali’s efforts raised more than £13,000 for NHS Charities Together and the Saints foundation. After the invigorating session, Le Tissier tweeted that he was taking a “hot bath” following his exertions, while his friend Benali continued to run, who mentioned he was suffering “a few aches and pains” after completing the challenge in just under five hours.
“The most I’d run in the build-up was 6.2 miles, so it was far from ideal preparations to run that sort of distance, but the weather was beautiful so it was just a case of getting through it.
“I’m overwhelmed – at these uncertain times, it’s wonderful people dig deep and donate.”
It is indeed heartwarming to note than in 2019, Benali had raised more than £1m for Cancer Research UK by completing five Ironman triathlons in a week.
Benali conceded that he had been “close to flying off the treadmill” on a few occasions, especially when his wife Karen accidentally pulled the emergency stop cord when swapping a water bottle.
It’s truly highly commendable when the integrity and valour of the human spirit rise through the ashes in times of great adversity to aid those in greater need than ourselves.
A salute to you, Benali!