Saints chairman Ralph Krueger has announced that he will join Franny Benali on the final leg of Benali’s Big Run this Saturday.

Saints legend Benali has entered the final stages of his incredible 1,000-mile challenge to visit every Premier League ground over the course of just three weeks.

He is due to cross the finish line at St Mary’s Stadium this weekend, when the club host Newcastle in a Premier League match.

Benali, who has raised almost £70,000 for Cancer Research UK so far, will have added support at some stage during those last 34 miles from Krueger.

In a video message released this afternoon, the Saints chairman said: “Franny, there are mountains all around this planet, there are mountains in life that people attempt to climb, and you are climbing a mountain that I have never seen climbed by anybody and it’s really amazing – one thousand miles, 35 marathons, 21 days, it’s an outstanding achievement and I would love to have the honour of joining you on the final day, on Saturday.

“I’ll jump into your run somewhere and add a couple of miles of support, side by side.

“We’ll head towards St Mary’s, towards Southampton, and I know that what you’re doing here and in the final stretch you will get a lot of donations and support added on to the amazing total you’ve already brought together, and we look forward to welcoming you here in St Mary’s and I look forward to joining you as part of that climb up the mountain.”

To sponsor Franny, text BIGR55 followed by the amount you would like to donate (e.g. BIGR55 £5) to 70070.

Alternatively, visit benalisbigrun.com where you can also chart the 45-year-old’s progress.