SAINTS legend Franny Benali MBE declared "I am really excited," after announcing his latest Saints Foundation fundraising challenge.

‘Iron Fran’ will take to the Isle of Wight to raise funds for the club's charity for 'Benali on Tour: We March Home' after successful challenges in 2023 and 2024.

Saints Foundation Ambassador Benali is once again leading his name-sake event, as he calls on fundraisers to join him on his longest trek yet.

Benali on Tour has over £60,000 between the first two years of the event to help support the work Saints Foundation does in the community.

Previous treks saw Benali leading his Saints in marching the South Downs from Brighton to Eastbourne and scaling the Yorkshire Three Peaks.

This year, the team of fundraisers will be embarking across the Solent to take on a 36-mile walk on the Isle of Wight over May 24 and 25.

The event will culminate back at St Mary’s Stadium in time for the Premier League season's finale as Saints host Arsenal.

Benali told the Daily Echo: "I am really excited and looking forward to joining everyone that's going to be a part of the third Benali on Tour challenge.

A Franny Benali sighting on the island! (Image: Saints Foundation) "It's the longest challenge we've done thus far and coming back for the final game at St Mary's against Arsenal is really exciting.

"The camaraderie of the groups we have had in previous years has been brilliant and it's all helping to fundraise for the incredible work Saints Foundation do.

"It's going to be a long way and I am going to have to get some training in ready for it as it can be hard on the feet - but I like the challenge element of it.

"I think probably more importantly as we're just walking, straight trekking, it's an amazing opportunity to chat with the fundraisers and supporters.

"Everyone who has done these before will hopefully tell you they have had a fantastic time taking on the challenge and raising money as well."

For more information on Benali on Tour 2025: We March Home: https://www.southamptonfc.com/en/saints-foundation-benali-on-tour

Supporters can register for the event for £175, which covers travel, accommodation, the final match ticket and all meals on the trip.

They are then set a £650 fundraising target ahead of the 36-mile hike over two days, with first meeting at 7am at St Mary's Stadium on Saturday, May 24.

The event is expected to finish at approximately 2pm on Sunday, May 25, with the Premier League's final day matches beginning at 4pm.