HENDY Group has helped Southampton FC legend Francis Benali beat his £1m target for Cancer Research UK after donating a car as a raffle prize.
Now the lucky winner has taken delivery of her new Ford Fiesta ST Line while the former full back celebrates passing the milestone after a series of gruelling sporting challenges.
Benali – affectionately known as Franny – presented Kirsten Etheridge with her car and said he was delighted to have broken the £1m barrier following his ‘Iron Fran’ challenge – seven Ironman triathlons in seven days.
‘I am so grateful to everyone who has helped us raise the funds, and thanks to Hendy for not only donating a car for us to raffle but also supplying a range of support vehicles on my challenges,’ said the 50-year-old. ‘It’s great to be able to hand over a brand-new car.’
Kirsten, who lives near Winchester, has been a Saints fan for many years and said she was over the moon to have won the car. ‘I wanted to support Franny on his challenge as his achievements have been amazing, and also because a close friend who introduced me to Saints many years ago was undergoing treatment for cancer at the time of his Ironman challenges,’ she added.
‘The only other thing I have won in the past was shampoo so this is amazing and I’m really looking forward to driving my new car.’
Hendy commercial director Mark Busby said the group had been thrilled to support Benali in his fundraising challenges.
‘Franny’s achievements and his tremendous commitment to raising money for Cancer Research UK are truly incredible, and we are pleased to have played a small part in his efforts to support the charity over the last few years.
‘It is really fitting that it is a big Saints fan who has won the new car and we hope Kirsten enjoys many happy miles motoring in her new Fiesta.’
Pictured are Mark Busby, left, Kirsten Etheridge and Francis Benali
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