A SOLIHULL mum is saddling up with an ex-premier league footballer in his seven-day ironman challenge as it passes through the Midlands.
Ex-Southampton player Francis Benali, age 50, is halfway through his ‘IronFran’ challenge – swimming 2.4 miles, cycling 112 miles and then running a 26.2mile marathon every day for a week.
He is bidding to smash his £1million fundraising goal for Cancer Research UK.
Keen cyclist Debbie Bradley, who survived her own terrifying brush with cancer, was inspired to get on her bike and join Fran for the full 112-mile Midlands stint.
Debbie (44), from Hampton in Arden, had a serious cancer scare in 2015 after developing lumps in her armpits and groin.
Debbie needed surgery to remove her lymph nodes but spent days fearing the worst.
Debbie said: “I was terrified for my daughter Lillie. I realised how fragile life is and how it can all be snatched away in a moment. When the doctor said the lumps weren’t cancerous I was so relieved I cried.”
Franny said: “What I’m doing will be hard but it’s nothing compared to what cancer patients go through.”
To find out more visit ironfran.co.uk. To donate £5 text Fran5 or £10 text Fran10 to 70200
