From the People:
Danny Wallace used to sprint 100 metres in just over 11 seconds.
In April, he will drag his MS-racked body through the Flora London Marathon.
The former Southampton, Manchester United and England star is determined to complete the 26-plus miles - even though it will take him four agonising days.
Wallace used to thrill fans with his dribbling skills and electrifying pace during 15 years at the top.
But, at 31, his career was ended by multiple sclerosis, the debilitating disease which attacks the central nervous system.
Ten years on, he is launching his own charity to help other sufferers.
And he is ready for his toughest challenge - even though he can barely hobble 100 yards with a stick before feeling exhausted.
"I was spurred on by Michael Watson's marathon bravery two years ago, and I wanted to get out and help those suffering from MS," said Wallace.
"I have pins and needles permanently down the right side of my body, my right arm shakes, I have an aching back, and sometimes my right leg won't work at all.
"It's like I have a big metal rod, a lump in my back. And it hurts too. When I move I feel the rod in my back is moving with me.
"After getting up in the morning within two hours I'm tired.
"I get blurred vision, or my speech could suddenly slur and then just go for a day or so.
"I fall over all the time and I've hurt myself a few times, but I've learnt to fall, to roll properly."
But Wallace is determined to make it - with help from his family and life-long pal and ex-Saints team-mate George Lawrence.
He's also got the support of top names in the game - Viv Anderson, Paul Ince, Gordon Strachan, Matt Le Tissier and Denis Irwin turned out for his testimonial at St Mary's last May.
He hopes the likes of Kevin Keegan, Ian Wright, Peter Shilton, John Barnes and Charlie George will back his marathon bid when the tape goes up on April 17.
Wallace, who made history in 1988 when he and brothers Rod and Ray all turned out for Saints, added: "The first five years of knowing I had MS hit me really hard.
"But I'm still alive and there's a lot to do - this is a whole new start for me."