Ali Robertson

Albert,

I always thought Albert was more fitting than Ali; it is more regal, more becoming the man. Buzz once told me that the strongest bonds are formed in teams when they are exposed to danger and physical threats, Marines and alike are at the top of the pile, and rugby teams experience this effect. This explains why we all feel so connected from playing rugby together – playing in the pack against generally older, more physical sides (before videos and touch judges got involved), we certainly created lifelong bonds. I was grateful you were packing down behind what was often the smallest front rows in rugby, you giving us immense, never-faltering support.

I consider myself lucky to have played with you at Loughborough and Cambridge, in the Blues, the LX club, and on tours to Japan and the USA. How much fun we had organising the USA tour in 1988 (which you captained- no surprise) with Rich Greed. You led the charge to the Poconos and then destroyed everyone in the downhill race, the trip to Atlantic City, all bring back smiles. I am still amazed we got there and back in one piece, even if Jonny Hastings did look a bit different on return. It carried on as you Captained the LX team – what a team, what a time.

It was always a joy to catch up at games in Cambridge, the Other Place or Loughborough reunions; more often than not, we would turn up, unplanned, drawn by the bonds. I thoroughly enjoyed catching up, sharing news, and spending time with you at these events, you lit up the room. Your family know how warm and generous you are, and this will be missed, but never forgotten. We will make sure there is always a place for you at any table when the teams get together. We never say the things we should; we wait until it is too late. I hope you know how much I respected you. At Loughborough, you were light years ahead of the rest of us in terms of fitness and nutrition – in all the teams we played in, you set the highest standards, leading so we could follow. Your drive and determination from those days shone through in all you did after. So impressive.

Ali, you are a special person – I am grateful and privileged to have known you and to have played and laughed with you. The engine room of the pack and life will not be the same.

Best wishes Big Fella.

John

Feeling sadness for all you have left behind. A pillar of a beautiful family but also so many communities. You will be remembered with grace.

Robyn, Felix and Lumi, thank you for your generous hearts in giving us all the opportunity to celebrate and grieve Ali in such a wonderful way on his birthday.

When I learned of Ali's death I was in the middle of a 50km row along the south Cornwall coast in a Cornish Pilot Gig. I had no phone signal and not much detail but the news was a huge shock. I rowed on, and my tears turned to smiles as I remembered the adventures shared with Ali over the years. The trip to New York for the marathon. My first ski trip. The taxi driver in India that Ali had to pin against the wall to persuade to drive less insanely. The early James Blunt obsession. More recently the warm welcome he and Robyn showed me and my children one particularly hard christmas. Back in the boat as I placed my oar in the sea to take each stroke I knew that Ali would have bloody loved that I had found this sport. He would have been infuriatingly good at it himself. I breathed in the sea air, looked for dolphins and found peace.

Ali, never forgotten. Thanks for everything.

Miss you mate 🙏🏽

Robyn, Felix, Lumi and family. I must apologise as I was trying to find the best time to speak to you and missed out as you took Felix home from Egypt Mill after Ali’s ‘Happy Birthday’ rendition. As well as wanting to offer my condolences I wanted to say how proud Ali would have been at how well you and Lumi delivered your tributes and how composed you remained. It was a very emotional day and thank you for including us all in it. Ali touched all our lives and made a lasting impression and will be sadly missed and it was befitting that so many people from all walks of his life attended. I had to get back to Surrey but l’m sure the wake will have gone on well in to the night with numerous toasts! Farewell my friend.

Ali
Such a massive magnetic personality. You were interested in everyone and everything around you.
I recall a zoom call with you to discuss Duchenne not long after Felix’s diagnosis. I was blown away by the knowledge, the plans and contacts you had already assimilated. You always made things happen
Lots of love

Sorry not to be there today Ali- have been thinking of you.

A loyal and trustworthy friend- such a huge void to fill.

Doggers

Ali Robertson- one of life’s good guys. A positive, strong, generous and caring man who carried his own travails lightly.
Always great company whether cycling, at rugby dinners or even trying to do business.
Will without doubt, be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Ali, No words will ever convey the impact you had and will continue to have on those lucky enough to have been in your life.

As a witness to your life, I can say this - you were magnificent. A magnificent friend. A magnificent human to share time and air with.

From the day I met you in a ski town bar to our last meal together and all the ridiculously fun adventures up hills, down hills, on skis, bikes, and boats... the enduring image of you I have is that smile and that phrase ‘fuck it - let's do this’.

Not many of us can fully understand the challenges you faced, but the way you rose to them, my friend, that was impressive.

I look forward to sharing time with you again, Ali, in the next game.

Until then, we live in your giant shadow - and I am so grateful for that.

We love you, will forever remember how you made us feel and wish you peace and everlasting happiness.



Carlyle, Jane, Raff, and Theo

Rest in peace Ali

With fondest memories of majestic Ali
Stirling and I met Ali in June 2012 at a street party in West Hampstead (or officially Cricklewood, us sharing the less prestigious NW2 postcode!) for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations
We remember him proudly carrying Felix, then a few months old, beaming with happiness and with gorgeous Robyn by his side
We immediately bonded, not least as we were also proudly with our baby daughter – Kyra born only a few weeks before Felix, but also due to the South African connection, a love of rugby,his infectious smile, mischievous nature and “maximalist” approach to everything
Over the years we spent wonderful times together at each other’s houses, enjoy food, wine and all the kids
We affectionately remember time in Norfolk, the little ones snuggled up around the firepit, watching the stars in the big nighttime sky.
Travelling with Robyn and the kids to Paris to support and greet Ali in his first Duchenne Dash, and then getting well and truly pissed on the Eurostar back (barging to the front of the taxi queue to get home!)
Sad to see the family leave London, but delighted to then visit and appreciate the wonderful home you quickly made, and of course celebrating in true Ali style in fancy dress for his crazy fabulous 50th birthday party
You always made such an impact – your lust for life, your unwavering commitment to your family, to Duchenne, and your passion for sharing.
Wonderful Ali – you’ll be missed but so always remembered.
All our love – Victoria, Stirling, Kyra & Bronte

Ali talked about seeing angels just after this photo was taken half way up a mountain and exhausted. I hope they remember him now.

Ali was an inspiration to me in many ways, a gentleman and a great lover of life. It was a privilege to know him, share time and wine and to do a shit load of fun stuff.

He was a big man who made my world bigger.

Love you pal.
X

Ali was one of the kindest men we’ve ever met. He had a smile and twinkle that would light up a room. We have lost one of the good ones. X

Our dearest Uncle Ali, to us you will be remembered as the ever explorer and pioneer.

A man willing to push limits and traverse paths we can only dream of. A heart that knew no boundaries and an unending passion for life and a burning desire to truly value every moment, a legacy we will strive to continue forward.

Thank you for showing us that there is always a treasure if you're willing to go the distance, no tree too high to climb and mount a swing on and for being the rock those closest to you could depend on.

Tall you towered over each obstacle and helped us all be just that little bit braver.

Those of us you leave behind will be forever grateful for your example and will miss you dearly.

Love always
Kevin, Lidia and the girls

Ali so pleased we reconnected in recent years and worked together again. Your enthusiasm, positivity, kindness and glass always full to the brim attitude endures in my memory. From our times recently in the car park at Twickenham to mulling over some property problem, I am grateful to have spent them with you. My condolences to your family
With love
Andy

Despite following similar paths - CURUFC - Property and having many mutual friends, I only first met Ali 6 years ago.
It felt like we’d known each other for much much longer, perhaps as a reflection of the impact Ali had on you, as many have so eloquently described. I hugely valued his friendship.
To me his joie de vivre, can do attitude, easy going demeanour, thoughtfulness, kindness, humour, & EQ, are amongst many of the very special qualities that made him such a very special human being.
Duchenne Dash 2022 experience (and the amazing Duchenne community), his stays with us in Cambridge for the Steele-Bodgers game (& a bottle of Kanonkop red to finish off the day/night !) & recent trips to Twickenham for Autumn internationals (preceding by tapas in Waterloo) are some favourite
memories.
Xx

It has been a privilege to have known Ali for much of a lifetime: to have played rugby, shared a flat, skied, cycled, watched him start businesses, become an advocate for Duchenne's and, most importantly, become a loving husband and father.

A gentle giant with a core of steel. He faced his health battles with incredible courage and never complained. if you define a person by how they react to the hardest things in life, Ali was a truly extraordinary man. He was kind. He always had an interest in other people. He could laugh and often did. These are the great virtues.

There is a saying that no one ever truly dies - they live on in their children, their families and the friends they leave behind. I truly believe that. Goodbye my friend.

Albert, it was back in the early 1980’s that we first met, when we played School rugby for Herts and beyond (were we aged 15?). A few years later, it was a very pleasant surprise to see you at the start of term at the JC Bar at Loughborough Uni and we then spent 3 years on the same undergrad course and of course playing a lot of rugby….

You were, as is clear to so many, a natural leader. This was particularly useful on our ‘student led’ tour to the USA when your inspirational pre-tournament speech demanded our best performance of the season…. ‘If we don’t win this tournament...’ (which included some prize money for the winners), ‘…we won’t have enough money to pay for our accommodation!’ 😁. As was always the case, you spoke and we listened… (and fortunately delivered!!).

We were housemates in your last year at Loughborough and had a lot of fun on and off the pitch. You were driven, and that was contagious. You were kind, but no rollover, and you were keen to make your point clear, which you did with eloquence. You were always thoughtful and sensitive to others, helping whenever you could and there are plenty of good examples of that in these excellent Memories.

One of my personal favourite times with you was when (whilst at L’Bro) a few of us decided to head off on a jolly down to your family home in the West Country for the weekend. You introduced us to a chap by the name of Bill Endacott (in a pub of course) on the Sunday lunchtime and (being a past World Spoof champion), he taught us how to play Spoof ‘properly’ and we still strictly play by the same rules to this day. We just had a great afternoon in the pub that day, although I am pretty sure we fully tested your Mum’s patience by the time we got back for Sunday ‘lunch’!

But it wasn’t really about what we did, but just the enjoyment of spending quality time together, sharing stories, taking the p out of each other or trying intensely to beat each other at whatever game someone had just made up. And of course there was always lots of laughter!

Another is when we met for the last time on a rugby pitch at the 1990 Varsity match, but this time we were on opposite teams, and as the final whistle sounded, you immediately reached for my hand to offer your congratulations - without hesitation. You were fittingly and expectedly gracious.

And finally, I will never forget the last line of our many curry orders… ‘No Ghee for Albert….’ (Sorry, this one will be lost on most readers…!!).

We had many, many other enjoyable times which are etched in my memory and which I am very thankful for.

Unsurprisingly, you were my Mum’s favourite (and I have no doubt that you were other Mums’ favourite too….). My Mum will be very keen to see you if you come across her wherever you are…

Albert, your passing is still really difficult to comprehend and I offer my sincere condolences to your extended family and close friends. You really were one of the good ‘uns. I have no doubt that our paths will cross again, but until then, RIP big fella xx

My sincere condolences to Ali's family and many friends.
I met Ali through work in the mid 2000's, he was key to us delivering two big car parks in Manchester. He became my friend and I had the great fortune and privilege enjoying his tremendous company; skiing in Chamonix, the best days at Lords and Twickenham, mountain biking at Glentress and cycling with him and his peleton on the Penrith to Liverpool leg of one of his many Duchenne rides. I will never forget how it felt to be in Ali's company - safe, secure but most of all happy.

Your ability to make everyone around you feel your enthusiasm will be sorely missed. We shared some great times in the hills and those memories are cherished. Rest easy my friend.

Heartfelt condolences to Robyn, Felix and Lumi. He was so kind and full of warmth - and his face lit up wherever he spoke of you. A devastating loss. It's clear he made such a positive impact on so many.

Ali, my good friend, hearing the news of your illness and passing has hit me with an immeasurable feeling of grief and loss that I have not previously experienced. While your family and recent close friends may not have even heard of my name, your passing has taught me that friendship is not about when or the amount of time one spends with someone, but the impression and impact that person has on you, and the subsequent bond that is created. That is not to say we did not spend a lot of time together, but most of that time was spent in the two years after we met nearly 39 years ago. Regrettably, we were not the best at staying in contact, but we would connect every few years or more and would always pick up from where we left off, like no time had passed.

When you arrived at Loughborough in 1986, you impressed many, many people, including me. Tall, handsome, a smile like no other, formidable at rugby, and a maturity beyond your years that defied belief. It is probably not often that a graduate student wants to become good friends with a freshman, but that was certainly the case for me. We spent a lot of time together, but two memories that stand out are because of the kindness you offered in helping me. I needed to get to Leicester to fix a dislocated finger, and you did not hesitate to drive me there. Another time, my father wanted me to get down to the West End to see 42nd Street to surprise my mother for her birthday. Again, you did not hesitate to jump at the opportunity to help, but also do something off-the-cuff and in the process fulfill the adventurous spirit that was so evident in your personality.

Another strong memory for me, and I know it will be for all who went, was the Loughborough ski trip we took to La Plagne in early 1987. Your energy, charisma, skiing prowess, and just your sheer desire to have fun with all around you were on full display.

What might be one of the most pivotal moments of my life was having a conversation with you over a beer in the JCB in the spring of 1987. Desiring a break from continuing my education, you advised me to take a leap of faith and follow the journey you took before coming to Loughborough. So, I followed your path and headed to play rugby in Boston, USA, in August 1987. While there at 23 years of age, I frequently reflected in awe on the fact that you embarked on that experience right after secondary school. But your importance was forever etched into my being, as you literally opened the door to my life’s journey.

After moving to Boston, another special memory was driving down to meet up with you and the LSRFC team touring the USA in March 1988. After watching you lead the team to a tournament win, I headed back to Boston to await your arrival for a two-week vacation in New England. Skiing Killington in Vermont and Sugarloaf in Maine with you will be forever entrenched in my memory.

We met only one more time in person, 10 years later, in Manhattan, which included a trip to the top of the South Tower of the World Trade Center.

Ali, your spirit is forever engraved in my soul. Reading all the tributes to you has helped me understand why I am feeling such a loss. You were clearly a very, very special person, and one of the most inspirational humans to ever grace this earth. It was an honor to know you and to call you a friend.

My sincere condolences to Robyn, Felix, Lumi, Angus, Patch, Fergus, Cooks and Mops, and your many friends.

Rest in peace, my friend. I hope to see you again.

Smithy

Best man, best mate, best human I've had the privilege to call a friend. You've inspired me as so many others with your energy, resilience, patience, kindness, natural
intelligence, encouragement and love. How on earth have you achieved so much and yet retained the warmth, wit and winning smile that I first experienced 36 years ago in Cambridge? No doubt however as to the origin of the nickname No Eyes, as the photo illustrates. And as I shut my own eyes to clear the tears, I see you in so many wonderful memories. Travel well and catch you on the other side of the mountain. Monkey

As many have said, words are never going to fill the void of his passing or replace the vastness of his heart and the love he had for his wonderful family.

Sometimes it seems the world cannot hold certain spirits. They have an overarching effect on the lives and outcomes of so many and bring them together in myriad ways to enhance their lives.

Ali, was one of those souls.

Was so privileged to meet the gentle giant many years ago as we were learning the ropes in the battlefield of Duchenne. We were blood brothers in a fight for our sons and those of so many others.

When we met, I was becoming disillusioned and despondent that the efforts were almost fruitless.
Ali was such a force of nature he jumped right in and made remarkable contributions to the efforts to help Felix and others, like my son, Mark. He spearheaded numerous initiatives and collaborators came forth and are now helping to lead innovative solutions.

Ali reinforced and strengthened the resolve of many in the Duchenne community .

He also reminded us that we can live through tough times and not let them dictate our outlook or dampen our spirits.

Ali also gave something priceless. He helped restore hope to my son and my family. For that we are forever grateful.
His legacy on this front will last forever.

Ali was simply a wonderful man.  
He was kind, brilliant, funny, noble , generous, a tireless Duchenne fighter, wonderful father, husband, sibling and the greatest friend you could ever have. I will miss him forever.
Rest well my friend.

Dear Ali

I will eternally be thankful for your generosity and the way you and Robyn warmly welcomed my children and I into your family home, your community and your universe.

You lived each day fully, fearlessly embracing life’s resistances whist always striving for something higher. We will dearly remember this lively energy, charisma and courage of yours.

Hunter and Isabella remember with fondness your adventurous, playful and mischievous spirit. You inspired and fostered a love of wildness, nature and adventure in all of our children.

Ali, you were a true force to reckon with. The children and I are very privileged to have known you. Life is so very fleeting and you left this world too young, too full of life.

Love, light and strength to my dearest Robyn, Felix and Lumi.

Natasja, Isabella and Hunter

In his book Levels of Life, Julian Barnes quotes a friend who wrote to him after the death of his wife: "nature is so exact, it hurts exactly as much as it is worth". As I have read all the wonderful tributes to Ali, I have thought a lot about that line - Ali was worth so much to so many people.
I was fortunate enough to live with him post university - firstly in a fairly grim house in North Sheen from where we "escaped" with the assistance of the Swains and then, in a lovely house, in Lysias Road in Balham along with Scott Bell. They were fun days. He was great company and I always felt that, the greatest of his many attributes, was his deep interest in and care for other people.
We had so many great times but I will recall one: in the days before England became Scotland's "opponent of choice", Ali and I went to Twickenham to watch another battering. Afterwards we went out for dinner with my father in west london - my father was in his traditional grim mood post a trip to Twickenham, but an evening alongside Ali in Cafe Rouge soothed his mood and we had great fun. Afterwards dad said to me on the way home: "That chap Ali, heck of a nice guy". He was right.

I only met Ali half a dozen times during the iuLabs fundraising. In that short time he made an incredible impression and it is no surprise at all to read all the wonderful tributes posted here by people who knew him a lot longer. Persuasive, passionate, engaging, persistent !

It is fair to say when I invested, I was investing in him more than the product. It was easy to believe in Ali. I feel privileged to have been a small part of that side of his life

It was a sunny first day in Cambridge, and I remember thinking how blessed I was just to be there. Little did I know the greatest gift waiting for me wasn’t the place, but your friendship. It all started when a punt on the River Cam drifted over, carrying your great big, ridiculously beautiful frame — the kind that makes any bloke feel insecure. I had to shield Heidi’s eyes.

Until meeting you, most of my relationships felt surface level. But you gave me permission to go deeper — to explore thoughts and feelings I’d never really put words to before. You had this rare mix of humour and intelligence, not just academically bright but emotionally sharp too. You just always nailed it. Your best man speech summed it up: “Being asked to be a best man is like being asked to shag the Queen Mother. A real privilege, but you’d rather not have to do it.” And then, of course, you rolled out a life-size cut-out of Jonah Lomu. Two big men outshining the groom on his own big day. Two big men who’ve had a major influence on my life.

You showed me that sometimes, to feel things, you have to be those things. Words like love aren’t just nouns, they’re verbs. You can’t sit and wait for them — you have to go out and live them. Right now, that word is joy. And your loss has sucked it out of me. I know you’d want me to go and find it again, but some days it feels impossible. I feel so low I can’t feel anything at all. It feels so unfair — that I still get the chance to experience joy when you don’t.

Unfair, because you were the very epitome of joy. That adventurous spirit of yours always knew how to squeeze every drop out of life. You taught me to seek challenges, to take risks, to push beyond my comfort zone — and then you stood alongside me while I did it. That day in the Lake District up Red Pike, when I was crawling up the last bit, terrified of the exposure — you shielded me completely, covering over me until I could make it. You threw me into fancy dress when I worried what people might think. You pushed me to cycle 100 miles when I thought I could only manage 40. You taught me to ski, to sail, to dive headfirst into the richness life has to offer.

I could never do anything about my small-man syndrome next to you. Sure, I could pull off the “no-eyes,” but I tried growing a beard, even bought myself a chunky cardigan, all because I wanted to be like you. And yes, I might have been a Lion, and even captained an A380, but I may as well have been invisible the moment you walked into a room. And I was fine with that. Because everyone quickly realised it wasn’t your physical stature that mattered most. It was your heart. Your drive. Your passion. Your tenacity. The way you dealt with adversity, right up until the very last. That’s where you were the true Lion.

You were there when I was a hero, and you were there when I was a dick. And each time, you made sure I came away a better man.

Life has so much to offer, and I’m just so thankful you graced it with those big mitts of yours. Thankful too that you grabbed me in them.

I love you, and I miss you forever, big man.

TUx

I've been trying to think of a phrase to sum up what I will think of whenever I think of you Ali, and I've settled on "up for it!". A huge man, a huge character, a huge heart and, from what is very apparent on this website, a huge impact of a lot of people.
If grief is the price of love, then you were most certainly loved.
Go well great friend.

We met Ali on a few occasions and it was always uplifting to be in his company.
I particularly remember a climbing/walking trip to Torridon, which was a steep learning curve for my wife and I, as complete novices. We rapidly became back- marker stragglers as Ali forged ahead, with the leaders, but he was always there to inspire us , when we caught up for breaks.
After about 6 hours we came to the top of a scree slope and he advised it was either 15 mins straight down or 1.5 hours walking off the ridge. Being on our last legs, we chose the scree option - we watched, in awe, as Ali shot down at breakneck speed, bouncing off boulders, with the whole slope moving! We slithered down 45 minutes later!
Ali lived life to the full and will be greatly missed.

Ali was my neighbour. My memories are of him always being in motion like a figure in an Escher picture. I’d see him from one window of our house or another going into the house, out of the house, into the office shed, out of the office shed, Lycra clad coming back from a cycle and alarmingly once, up a hugely tall ladder dealing with the gutters whilst a pale-faced Robyn held the bottom of it.
The day to day path crossings of people living cheek by jowl in our lovely higgeldy piggeldy corner of wonky Nailsworth.
I recall he also had a good nose for whatever I was baking if he came over to deal with the boundary area. I opened the door once and he said ‘Ooh, banana bread!’ before he even said hello. He wasn’t wrong.
He was one of those private but charismatic humans that people happily orbit.
My family and I are so sad at his passing and we hold Robyn, Felix and Lumi in our thoughts. We wish everyone who loved Ali grace as they navigate a world without him.
Xxx

'Ugly' Albert. You gorgeous man!
An inspiration to all. A great friend to me and many others.
Every moment we spent together was a treasured memory created. Our night out with John Travolta; the 'steamy' experience in Twickenham car park; a bit of rough and tumble at Lords; the night in an ice hole; helping me up the hills in France, that you had promised did not exist!; long walks with you and the family you adored, followed by a beer in a country pub; and so on. Always humour and always lots of laughter
You light up the world around you and it is a privilege and an honour to call you my friend forever. Keep a seat at your table for me.
Love you and everything that you stand for.
JC and Fiona xxx

Dear Ali, I just want to share my thanks for knowing you and your beautiful family. I will be a good friend to your wonderful wife and children, a shoulder to lean on and a warm hug when there are no words. Rest in peace. Marie- Louise Steven & Michael x

A listener, interested, fun. An honour to have a friend in Ali.

Sincere condolences to all of Ali’s family and close friends such a devastating loss.
I only shared a house with Ali at Loughborough Uni in 88/89 but gained a friend for life. He was so tidy, focused and organised I don’t quite know how he coped sharing with the rest of us. His room was an oasis in a slum. He was immensely talented, scarily fit, interesting and such fun to be with even when he wasn’t trying to be.
My girls still remember the Adonis who came to visit way back then. But it’s his big infectious smile and incredible positivity I’ll remember most. RIP big friend 🙏😔

You always approached life with wonder. Miss your Magic. Love you.

Above all else, I will remember Ali as a kind, gentle, selfless and genuine man with huge determination, energy, courage and compassion. I know he will be missed by so many and for so many reasons. I feel privileged to have been one of those.

Friends and family of Albert my deepest condolences, I will be thinking of you all on September 2nd.
What an incredible, interesting, tough and fantastic fun guy Albert was. F—k me, would love to have a few beers and a game of spoof with Albert sometime in the future and get my kids to meet him! Not many guys in half a dozen like him!! Travel well big Al. oxox

Such sad news to hear and all happened so quickly . I was truly shocked when I heard of Ali passing - he was one of the good guys , always smiling , always interested in others and always passionate about his family

I met Ali through the Duchenne Dash a fantastic 24 hour , 300 km mad cycle ride from London to Paris - all in support of Duchenne Uk . Ali's hard work for The Duchenne charity in support of his son Felix together with his endless enthusiasm for Iülabs and his car parking business with Matt , will never be forgotten - I can still hear him now as we're half way up a climb on the bikes 'cmon Clarkey ' .......

Ali you will be so missed by many , but the world has been richer to know you - huge condolences to all your family in what must very challenging times

I first met Ali at Bristol airport waiting for a flight to Norway as part of an SBSA Telemark ski trip. I must admit to having to do a double take as it looked like my flight buddy was Kris Kristofferson! We must have made an incongruous pair, you being 6’ massive & me 5’ diddy, but that didn’t stop us forming an immediate bond. To then find out we lived only 3 miles apart was such a coincidence.
It wasn’t long before we met up in Nailsworth & were introduced to your wonderful family, Robyn, Lumi & Felix & we got to know more about your absolute dedication to finding a cure of some sort for DMD. It was clear that your dedication was infectious & we can only hope that the incredible fund raising initiatives that you organised will continue to pay dividends.
Ali, you were a force of nature & even though we only knew each other these last 8 years, I was honoured to have you as a friend.
Ski straight & strong my friend.

Alasdair was a major personality, wise, kind and humorous, always with a twinkle in his eyes. He will be deeply missed by many.

I first met Ali when he came to stay with me in New Zealand in 1988. I was struck then by his sense of fun, adventurous spirit and love of all life had to offer. These qualities were still obvious when we met (infrequently) in the years that followed and sat easily alongside his incredible dedication to his family to whom I send my deepest condolences. Ali was a great person and the World is much poorer for his passing.

Words are not enough for the so sad and way to early loss of Ali. Fun, friendly and full of life. Always had the largest smile on his face.

Ali and I first met on day one of our chemotherapy treatment for head and neck cancer, brought together through shared adversity. We clicked straight away, swapping stories about our rugby days, our love of the outdoors, our charity fundraising adventures, and being of a “certain age” buying our new electric bikes and the routes we were eager to tackle.

Very quickly, our bond went beyond the hospital walls. We became close friends, meeting up away from treatment, comparing our symptoms and setbacks, and acting as each other’s ‘wingmen’ throughout the long and brutal journey. Together, we navigated the highs and the many lows. Ali was a constant source of strength and comfort to me during the darkest days.

On the hospital wards, we were like two mischievous schoolboys passing scribbled notes and silly drawings when we couldn’t speak, and trying not to laugh too hard (even though laughing hurt). Those moments of lightness carried us through so much pain.

Ali was truly inspiring. We even started planning a trip to Patagonia for a glacier trek and although he wont be there, I’ll carry him with me in spirit and his encouraging words will be in my thoughts.

RIP my big wingman - I’ll never forget you.

We didn’t know Ali closely or very well (other than riding the Duchenne Dash with him once all the way from London to Paris), but whenever we met him it was clear what a terrific, kind, attentive, caring and intelligent human being he was. Someone we will all miss terribly, and someone the world is much much much poorer for not having any longer. However, his presence, his smile, his love and care has touched and meant the world to not only his family , but all those around him. The Duchenne community has lost one of its greatest supporters - but in honouring his memory all the more work for us all to do! Rest in peace, good man. Gergo and Nathalie

First met Ali at Weatheralls and latterly at JLL where we worked together on a big project and it was so good to reacquaint as he was just such a lovely, kind, warm hearted and fun guy. We had a few beers on the Harbourside in Bristol and reminisced/caught up. One of the really good guys who I was incredibly lucky to meet and call a friend. Much love to the family.

Larger than life, with a lions heart to match. Simply a GREAT human.

I remember those days in Lufbra; Ali lived next door in Granville St….and was one of the first to have a CD player, we would listen to CDs together, our favourite was Year of the Cat, Al Stewart we loved that one. It will always remind me of Ali.

Ali, you will always be with us, the infectious smile, a true gentle giant, with the biggest heart without a doubt a legend, We are all privileged to have known you.
My thoughts and wishes are with all of your family.
Boggy
xxxxx

I met Ali and Robyn when I moved next door to them in Nailsworth. What a kind, generous man Ali was. Everyone spoke so highly of him, and it was easy to see why. He had such a strong, calm, kind presence. It is difficult to put into words, but everyone felt better for being around him.

I have very happy memories of Christmas parties, rugby matches and dinners together. His capacity to enjoy life and his generosity of spirit was wonderful to be around.

Like everyone, I find it impossible to think that he is no longer with us. And yet here he is, in the hearts of all who knew him, remembered with such fondness and the recognition that he was a rare human being, filled with love and wisdom and lighting up everyone around him. Sending love to you, Ali, and to Robyn and the family xx

Unfortunately for me, I only met and played rugby with Ali once. It was January 1985 and initially there were 40 or 50 of us who met at the Lensbury Club in Teddington and battered the hell out of each other for 3 days to see who would earn the right to face the New Zealand Schoolboys at Twickenham a few days later. Ali emerged as one of the standout players and the standout leader.He was calm, inclusive and had a presence and maturity far beyond his 18 years. The match result was close but didn't go our way. However, that wasn't the point. The fact that a bunch of complete strangers came together, competed with each other and then bonded to take on the New Zealanders in the space of just 6 days was a testament to the outstanding character and leadership of Ali. Reading the other tributes I am not at all surprised that he went on to become the man that he did. My sincere condolences and very best wishes to his family and friends.

Ali was a huge influence on my personal and business life.
I told him that he "scared the crap out of me" when we first met with the power of his charisma and huge presence wherever he went. I then found out what a grounded, honest, exciting,funny and fun loving man he was.
We became great friends and have many happy memories of being with him in various fun restaurants and events when we pretended to do business together whilst the world slowly became more blurred.
He was the greatest man, in every sense off the word, I ever had the huge privilege of meeting. I was honored to be his friend as he enriched my life completely.
There is a huge hole left in all our hearts and nowhere more so than with Robyn, Felix and Lumi. I am sure that all his many friends will share in sending them all the love and support they deserve at this terrible time.

We’ve only known Ali the last couple of years, but it was always very clear what a devoted, supportive and truly lovely dad he was. He was always so encouraging and kind to Isla and she loved hanging out with Lumi and all her family at their beautiful home - we’ll think of him often and continue to celebrate his life ❤️

Big Al was one of my first trainees in the West End , I knew nothing about running a team , he knew nothing about Real estate having enjoyed himself too much , rather than studying. So we were a perfect match . I look back at those years with enormous fondness, they were so much fun and we had the opportunity to be roommates together on a much more recent ski trip, it was like old times straight away ! A massive heart and equally massive sense of humour, we will all miss him immensely, but so much better for having the privilege of spending time with him,
With sincerest condolences

Mark

Ali we had the most memorable of times on The Scottish Mountains both on foot and on mountain bike .Often after a great night out in Edinburgh with Chris Tiso .
The Torridon trip 3 big Munro routes in 3 days and the overnighters in the wilderness at Corrour will always be etched in my memories of you .Two trips to Val D’Isere inc that avalanche that miraculously you escaped a tad bruised and battered .. 3 days later you were back on the piste enthusiastic as ever yet a tad more respectful to the mountains when off piste !
We will all miss you Ali .
Until we meet again .

It was a privilege to have spent three great formative years (86-89) with this lovely man - on the same course, same Hall in 1st year and also at the LSRFC. A wonderful character, great sense of humour and always a giant of a presence with a wry smile.

To his beautiful family and multitude of friends my most sincere condolences. He certainly was a giant amongst us in so many ways. RIP mate. We shall remember you. "What a lekker oun!"


Cheers Zimbell (aka Kevin Butler, Harare, Zimbabwe)

Loved and lost way too young. We’ll never forget you big man. You brought fun and laughs and charisma and kindness and a huge smile. I’ll be with you in spirit on Sept 2nd. Sending all our love and condolences to Robyn, Felix, Lumi, family and friends.
See you on the other side. Beres. Xx (Loughborough Uni ‘86-90)

It was a privilege to have known this kind and lovely man. Sending love to support to all of his family x

Ali, you will be so missed. I saw you infrequently but regularly for 25 years and it was always a joy. An occasion I looked forward to. Your energy, intelligence (both intellectual and emotional), thoughtfulness….and that smile. 1000% watts. You didn’t ‘have’ friends, you blessed friendships. Thank you mate for blessing ours.

My deepest condolences to your family, who I never met, but who felt like friends for the love which glowed in your eyes whenever you spoke of them. Dixie xx

A man with a friendly presence that stood out from the crowds at Stroud Farmers Market just by being himself . .. .a real genuine soul a true rareity who made time to know people. I will miss your friendly presence and our chats.

Loughborough 1988-89 shots 3 of 3

Loughborough Rugby 1988-89 shot 2