A St Albans father and fitness fundraiser is running a pair of marathons in memory of three people close to him who lost their lives to cancer.
Ross Robinson is embarking on his latest charity challenge attempting the Paris Marathon on April 12, and Chicago Marathon later this year.
The 35-year-old is no stranger to a gruelling fitness task previously completing multiple HYROX with his twin brother Craig, both motivated by the devastating loss of their mother, Dawn, when they were just 19.
"Experiences like that stay with you, and it’s a big part of why causes like Macmillan mean so much to us," Ross began.
"Last year Craig and I took on HYROX London Olympia together to remember Mum and raise funds for Macmillan. It was also in memory of our friend’s dad, Alan Green."
This year, Ross has decided to raise money for another close friend he has lost, alongside Dawn and Alan.
"More recently, the loss of Ryan Pring has brought it all much closer to home," Ross continued.
"Ryan was a fellow school dad and huge personality in the St Albans community, with children similar ages to mine.
"Just a few weeks before he passed I have a vivid memory of him dropping his son Jason at my son’s birthday party - leaning out of the car window shouting something across the driveway in his usual larger-than-life way.
"We also shared a bit of a bond over South Africa. I was born there, so we’d often chat about the Springboks, biltong and braais whenever we bumped into each other at school events.
"That’s another reason the fundraising feels important."
A JustGiving page for Ryan, who unfortunately passed away in December 2025, has reached £51,915 (at the time of writing) raising funds for his widow Mandy Pring and their family during such a difficult period.
Previously The Herts Advertiser spoke to Mandy, who shared: "To hundreds of families, he was more than a coach — he is a mentor, a role model, and a friend.
"Ryan was known for his patience, kindness, and the way he could make every child feel special, he built something far greater than a sports club. He built a family."
He was well-known in the community for his role as co-founder of The Super Kids Club - a gymnastic and multi-sports program. His coaching also reached many across the district and beyond.
Ryan was a proud father to three sons too, Matthew, 11, Jason, 8, and Tyren, 4, and his "deepest wish was to be here for his boys".
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Training is reaching its climax for Ross as the Paris Marathon is just round the corner. He explained how testing the running plan has been thus far.
"Training has been fairly full-on - I’ve just ticked over 70km this week - while also juggling HYROX events in Nice and London.
"According to my partner Katherine this officially confirms I’ve entered mid-life crisis territory… although she’s reassured herself it could be worse - at least it doesn’t involve buying a sports car."
Alongside the marathons, Ross is organising a slightly more unconventional fundraiser - a pub rally.
He is hosting this with his friend Adrian Summers, who is running the London Marathon for Children with Cancer UK.
"The concept is fairly simple: six pubs, a dice roll to determine the drink in each, and running between them. It should raise a few laughs (and hopefully a few pounds for charity)," he added.
Ross commended the "phenomenal" Macmillan fundraising team, particularly Helen Topping who had helped setup a number of collections in the past.
Helen, who is the Relationship Fundraising Manager for Macmillan Cancer Support said: “Taking on both the Paris and Chicago Marathons is an extraordinary commitment, and we are incredibly grateful for supporters like Ross.
“Our mission is to do whatever it takes to support everyone with cancer, whoever and wherever they are. Ross’s determination helps ensure we can continue being there for people living with cancer when they need us most.
“Here in the community, our Information and Support Centre at the hospital, along with our local support groups, simply wouldn’t exist without the incredible efforts of people like Ross so thank you.”
To find out more and or support Ross' fundraiser visit: https://socialsync.app/fundraiser/cr-x7314n06w8v0
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