A TRAFFORD scientist joined a former Premier League star as he tackled a mammoth cycling challenge for Cancer Research UK.
Francis Benali, 47, is running and cycling to all 44 Premier League and Championship grounds in just two weeks in a bid to raise £1million for the charity.
He was joined by Dr Duncan Smith, from Stretford, for his cycles between Manchester City, Manchester United and on to Liverpool, Everton and Wigan yesterday.
Benali and Dr Duncan Smith arrive at Manchester United's ground
To complete the ‘Benali’s Big Race’ challenge, the former Southampton player will cover at least 100 miles a day - running one marathon and cycling the remaining distance every day.
Dr Smith, 43 - the head of the mass spectrometry facility at Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute - said: “When I saw the challenge that Franny had set himself – it’s just simply off the scale and I really wanted to be a small part of it and say thank you to Franny for everything he is doing.
“We went through the city centre and the student area and got numerous cheers from people passing by which was really nice to see.
“I’ve only been cycling seriously for about four months now but if Franny can make the efforts he’s making then I’ll get there too.”
The pair were joined on the Manchester United to Liverpool leg by Sale resident Simon O’Leary, Cancer Research UK’s head of volunteer fundraising.
Sale resident Simon O'Leary, head of volunteer fundraising at Cancer Research UK
Mr O’Leary said: “What Franny is doing is amazing. He’s a real inspiration and it was an honour to join him for part of the challenge.
“At Cancer Research UK we want to accelerate our progress so that we go from two in four to three in four people surviving cancer as soon as we can and we can’t do that without the funds raised by the public and people like Francis Benali.”
The challenge started at Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium on October 2 and will finish at his former club Southampton's St Mary’s Stadium, on Sunday, October 16.
Every day, 110 people are diagnosed with cancer in the North West. And that’s why Francis is calling on people in Manchester to support his latest challenge and help raise vital funds to beat cancer sooner. Francis said: “Last year, my father-in-law, Bill, was diagnosed with prostate cancer so I’m even more determined to raise as much money as possible to help conquer this devastating disease.
"I’m hoping to top my previous fundraising total with all the money raised going towards Cancer Research UK’s work into immunotherapy across the UK.”
To track Francis’ progress, visit www.benalisbigrace.com. To donate £5, text ‘FRAN’ to 70200.
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