Southampton legend Franny Benali has been made an MBE for services to cancer patients.
An official Club Ambassador for Saints, the former left-back earned iconic status during a memorable 15-year career with the first-team, making 389 appearances, but his achievements extend well beyond the football pitch.
The 50-year-old broke his £1m fundraising target for Cancer Research UK earlier this year, after completing the last of three ultra-endurance challenges in aid of the charity.
Now Southampton-born Benali’s heroics have been recognised in the 2020 New Year Honours list.
"My initial reaction was one of shock, but once I'd digested the contents of the letter I was quite overwhelmed and extremely proud to be getting such a tremendous honour,” he said.
"Naturally it's the sort of news you want to share and it's been difficult keeping it to myself."
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