Dozens of skaters brought a breathtaking performance to Deeside Leisure Centre, Flintshire, in memory of an Ellesmere Port skater’s much-loved nan.

The Four Decades of Disc (Deeside Ice Skating Club) gala saw skaters young and old take to the ice for a number of toe-tapping tunes.

The event, run by club chairman Sian Estabanez, was held in memory of Jeanette Pendergast, the nan of talented 10-year-old British Championship skater Molly Robotham.

Jeanette, from Ellesmere Port, sadly passed away from lung cancer last April at the age of 57 and had been a big inspiration and help for Molly, taking her to the ice for the first time.

Molly started skating at Deeside Leisure Centre at the age of just three years old and started competing one year later.

Speaking before the event, Whitby Heath Primary School pupil Molly said: “Nan drove me to every competition, she did my hair, my make-up, and on occasion glued my eyelids together when we messed about with false eyelashes!

“We travelled up and down the country staying in lots of hotels, just me and nan. Every week we had something exciting planned. She spoilt me rotten and she didn’t miss a single show or competition.

“I loved skating for her, making her proud. I miss her so much.”

Club skaters, including Molly, put on the show in front of a huge crowd.

Nearly £1,700 was raised from the charitable event, with proceeds going to The Clatterbridge Cancer Charity.

Funds will go to help pioneering cancer research projects, equipment and support services for more than 30,000 patients each year in the local area.

Jade Barrett, area fundraising manager for the charity, said: “It has been such a joy to get to know Sian and all the team at Deeside Ice Skating Club.

“Molly has such wonderful things to say about Clatterbridge following her nan’s treatment. We are so grateful to Molly, her family, the club and everybody that attended the Gala for supporting Clattebridge.

“Everybody mucked in selling raffle tickets, baking cakes and bucket collecting. It was a real team effort resulting in almost £1,700 being raised on the night.

“I can’t thank everybody enough for their support. It’s truly wonderful.”

For more information about the Clatterbridge Cancer Charity, call the team on 0151 482 7948 or email fundraising@clatterbridge.nhs.uk.