Ayrshire dad who watched his partner bravely battle breast cancer opens up on his crusade to save Ayr ice rink

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A man who lost his beloved partner to breast cancer has thrown his weight behind the campaign to save Ayr Ice Rink from closure.Martin Hastie told how the rink became a treasured venue for him and late partner Karen, who bravely battled Stage 4 Breast Cancer.Their daughter Alex started skating at the rink in 2018.

And Martin and Karen watched Alex flourish as her on-ice skills improved considerably.Construction manager Martin, 50, said it was Karen’s dearest wish to see Alex take part in a competitive event at the rink some day.Sadly, Karen’s wish didn’t come true, as she passed away in September 2021.

Daughter Alex, 13, did manage to skate competitively on the ice earlier this year.She took part in a Spin, Spiral and Jump competition, organised by Ayr Figure Skating Club’s parent volunteers.

It’s now become a poignant reminder to Martin and Alex of just how important the venue is.The Ayrshire Live app is available to download now.Get all the local news in your area – plus features, football news and the latest on the coronavirus crisis – at your fingertips 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories while you can customise your page with the sections that matter to you.The Ayrshire Live app is available to download now on iOS and Android.Now Martin is desperate to see the venue remain open because he says it’s ‘much more than an ice rink.’Martin, from Logan, said: “This ice rink has been a long term heritage of the patrons of Ayrshire since 1972.“It's home to Kyle and Ayr Figure Skating Clubs, Ayr Bruins ice hockey teams and Ayr Curling Club.