Robbie Fitzgibbon: Former Great Britain athlete dies aged 28

Charlie Grice, his training partner, paid tribute saying: “You were a true fighter who always gave your best.”

In recent years, Fitzgibbon took a step back from track running, moving from middle-distance to long distance races.

He had been preparing to run the 2025 Brighton Marathon in aid of the charity Mind.

His father Robin will now run in his place, the club has announced.

Josh Guilmant, vice chairman of Brighton Phoenix running club, said: “That is a really nice move.

“We think some of his former team mates will want to run with Robin – some of them have already said they do.”

He added that he will be looking to speak to the organisers of the marathon “to see what we can do”.

A GoFundMe that Robbie had set up to raise money for the charity Mind has now surpassed £10,000 in donations.

There has been a significant number of new donations since the club announced Robbie’s passing on Friday night.