Saints legend Franny to share stories from his time both on and off the pitch at HWB charity fundraiser

Southampton football legend Francis ‘Franny’ Benali will be joining guests at an upcoming charity event hosted by Hampshire’s own HWB Chartered Accountants.

An Evening with Francis Benali will be held at Thorndon Hall in Chandler’s Ford on Thursday 19 September.

All profits are going to Mountbatten Hampshire, HWB’s charity of the year.

A fan favourite full back, Franny played just over 300 games with the Saints, notching up almost 20 years at his hometown club before finishing off his career at Eastleigh.

He’s set to share a fun and motivational life story with guests this September, from his career as a hard-working, hard-tackling defender, to his fundraising efforts and his move into football punditry and keynote speaking.

Franny, who was awarded an MBE for his charity work, has raised a total of £1.4 million for Cancer Research UK in recent years through a series of ultra endurance challenges.

He’s also a Freeman of Southampton – placing him among ‘persons of distinction and persons who have rendered eminent services to the city’ – and has been named the Just Giving celebrity fundraiser of the year.

“Fundraising today is vital to maintain the essential services charities provide and which are relied upon by so many people – and the demand continues to grow,” he said.

“I’m more than happy to play whatever small part I can in trying to boost the coffers of Mountbatten Hampshire.

“It’s a wonderful and worthwhile organisation helping so many people across our county.

“So, if anyone would like to attend a fun evening to hear about my football career, the banter found in a Premier League dressing room – and then the torturous pain from running 35 marathons in three weeks – then I would urge you to register for a ticket.”

HWB director Michaela Johns added: “Franny will demonstrate how almost anything is possible with perseverance, resilience and teamwork, and we know his stories will captivate, amuse and inspire you all.”

Mountbatten Hampshire, HWB’s current charity of the year, is dedicated to providing care and support for people with life-limiting illnesses.

The county’s oldest and largest hospice, it’s served the community for more than 45 years, and currently supports around 1,000 families every day.

Tickets for the 5.30pm to 7.30pm event are available now, at £24 (inc VAT).

• To find out more and book, visit hwb-accountants.com/events

To get the best of Hampshire Biz News straight to your inbox every week, sign up for our newsletter!