18 Sep 2025
Faith, family and friends are the driving forces behind a St Albans dad’s determined battle against cancer.
South African ex-pat Ryan Pring is well-known locally for running the Super Kids Club with his wife Mandy, offering local children the chance to take part in ‘Supernastics’, cricket, rugby and other sports.
But now he is facing the fight of his life.
Aged just 43, he has been diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer – locally advanced colorectal cancer which has now spread to his lungs.
Ryan’s diagnosis came last June after he noticed changes in his bowel movements, but having recently embarked on a strict fitness and eating regime he initially thought that was the cause.
But after spotting a cancer checklist poster in Tesco, and suffering from a cough which raised concerns, he eventually decided to make an appointment to see his GP, only to then notice blood in his stool, another worrying sign that all was not right.
Following blood tests and an X-ray he received the devastating news that it was possibly colorectal cancer, which he described as like a punch in the face.
“I then went for a colonoscopy and they concluded that yes, it was cancer, so I’m starting chemotherapy in two weeks’ time.”
Despite this shocking news, Ryan remains incredibly positive about the future: “The glass is always half full,” he says, attributing his mental attitude to his strong Christian faith.
“My faith is top. Someone asked me if I was in denial, and I said no, the Bible says that the peace of God surpasses all understanding, and I do have that absolute peace. I sleep well at night, besides the pain, and I don’t have any anxiety.
“The people around us also help. When I’m feeling a bit low, I get a message or a scripture from the Bible or something, and I’m like, OK, fight the good fight.”
Together Ryan and Mandy run a very physical business across a wide area, with classes in various locations. Ryan’s health has deteriorated to the point where he can no longer take part, and Mandy is trying to juggle the demands of work while ensuring she can support him with hospital appointments and look after their three boys: For me it was never a job, I love children, I love sport, but there’s no way I can do a class now, not even half an hour. Just walking upstairs can take ages. Everything’s changed, you know, but I get over it and carry on, adapt to what we have to do.”
Family friend Joanna Burkill has set up a JustGiving page to support the family during this difficult time.
She said: “Ryan and Mandy have poured their hearts into running The Super Kids Club and Supernastics, helping children across Hertfordshire and London grow in confidence, strength and joy. Their passion, kindness, and gentle spirits have touched countless families. To know them is to love them.
“In true ‘Super Ryan’ spirit, he continues to face this devastating diagnosis with incredible positivity and determination. His deepest wish is simple, but powerful: to be here for his boys. To cheer them on at sports days. To hear their teenage voices change. To hold them close when they’re sad.
“But cancer doesn’t just attack the body – it affects every part of life. Ryan and Mandy’s business, which only recently recovered from the challenges of Covid, relies on them both being physically active. With Ryan no longer able to work as before, the family faces enormous financial strain on top of the emotional weight they already carry.
“They are exploring every avenue possible – but the costs quickly add up, alongside the everyday expenses of raising three young children. This is where we, their community, can step in.
“If Ryan and Mandy have ever cheered on your child, lifted your family, or touched your heart, please consider helping them now. No amount is too small. Even a single pound, when multiplied across the many lives they’ve touched, could bring them relief, rest and the precious gift of time together.
“Let’s wrap this family in love and support. Let’s help lift some of the burden, so Ryan and Mandy can focus on what truly matters: making memories with their boys, finding moments of peace and fighting this battle with everything they’ve got.”
Local Facebook group St Albans Mums featured Ryan’s story last weekend, and raised tens of thousands of pounds in a matter of days, and he has also received incredible support from his cricket club in Redbourn, Harpenden Rovers FC, Harpenden Rugby Club, and their church community at Forest Town in Lyon Way.
The founder of St Albans Mums, Karen Snook, said: “I’ve seen first-hand how our community always comes together in times of need. Supporting Ryan’s fundraising isn’t just about raising money – it’s about showing love, solidarity, and giving a local family strength when they need it most. Every share, every donation, makes a huge difference. Together, we can make sure Ryan and his family feel the full support of St Albans behind them.”
Ryan said: “I’ve been blown away by the response, the messages and the kindness of everybody. I don’t have any more tears. It’s been amazing and that just fills the tank to fight.
“I’m starting a clinical trial as well, specialising in colorectal cancer. I was just like, ‘I’ll do it’. I’m going to try everything, throw everything at it, that’s the game plan.”
Having had to cancel a family holiday to Thailand in the summer, the Prings recently enjoyed a break at Tattershall Lakes in Lincolnshire, as Ryan tries to spend as much time as possible with their boys.
“It was their first time fishing, I want to teach them those new skills as and when I can.
I don’t know how my body’s going to react to the treatment, we’ll just have to see what it allows me to do.
“It was the start of the rugby season the other weekend and I went to my boys’ training. I usually coach, and when they started playing, I just burst into tears. Thank goodness I had sunglasses on.
“I was like, ‘I should be there man, that’s my place’. But it’s those little moments and then it’s done, I get up, crack on and that’s it.”
Although Ryan and Mandy’s eldest sons, Matthew, 11, and eight-year-old Jason, are aware of his diagnosis, they have not told the youngest, four-year-old Tyren, who only started in reception a few weeks ago.
“It was a difficult conversation, but we used the story of David and Goliath and the five stones David used to bring Goliath down: one was Jesus, the others were family, friends, the doctors and the medicine. They were a bit heartbroken, and then they asked Mandy lots of questions.
“Now they know they’re super-helpful, they do all those little things to make it easier for me.
“And our close friends have been supporting my children, taking them away and doing all sorts of things with them. We’ve been very blessed.”
If you can help Ryan and Mandy in any way, donate via the following JustGiving link: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ryanpring
