SAINTS legend Franny Benali was joined by a familiar running mate on day three of his Iron Man challenge

Matt Le Tissier ran alongside his old team mate as he tackled the marathon section, approaching Bristol.

Mattt and his wife, Angela, took it in turns to keep Franny company.

Another former Saints striker, James Beattie, also appeared at roadside to give Franny encouragement.

Saint fans have taken to the streets across the UK to cheer on Franny as he continues his Iron Man events which requires him to swim 2.4-miles, cycle 112 miles and then run 26.2 miles each day day for a week.

On Monday he narrowly missed being hit by a car travelling at 40mph and yesterday he was struggling to consume enough calories to keep him going throughout the brutal feat of endurance.

But today his spirits have been lifted by supporters who have gathered on his route and cheered on the former defender.

One fan even delivered a £200 cheque to Cancer Research UK, the charity for which Benali is aiming to raise £1 million

After starting in Manchester, Benali was due to travel through Nottingham, Leicester, Bristol, Berkshire and Farnham, before finishing in Southampton next Sunday with the swim at David Lloyd followed by the Southampton Marathon and the bike ride, which concludes at the Civic Centre.

To track Franny’s progress, visit ironfran.co.uk.

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