FORMER Saints star Francis Benali may be used to running up and down a football pitch - but running the London Marathon was a whole different ball game.

However the aches and pains were definitely worth it as the £4,000 he raised for the Dave Wellman Trust was handed over to the Wessex Cancer Trust.

Benali, who now plays for Conference South side Eastleigh, ran the marathon with support from friends and family who lined the route to cheer him on as he successfully completed the challenge in three hours and 31 minutes.

He said: "Running the marathon was an exhilarating experience, absolutely fantastic and I felt very proud running for such a good cause.

"I cannot thank all those who supported me enough, their kindness and generosity will help those who suffer with this terrible disease enormously."

Benali is patron of the Dave Wellman Cancer Trust, which was founded in 1999 by Tina Wellman-Hawke in memory of her late husband.

Tina said: "Of all the many kind supporters I have had over the years, Franny and his wife Karen have consistently been there.

"Franny had such a busy year this year, but always found time to help the charity whenever he could and taking the time out to train and run the marathon shows how supportive he is.

"I would like to thank Franny and all those who sponsored him, enabling the continued fight to eradicate this terrible disease."