Aisling skating on thin ice to success

The amazing ice skating success story of Aisling Lessiter from South Molton has taken another positive turn on the national stage.

In the recent British Ice Skating (BIS) Open 2025 national competition, Aisling competed at level 5 (Intermediate Novice) representing Bristol and secured 1st place with a PB score.

While this achievement is amazing for Aisling, it is also down to the superb support she has received from family, friends and sponsors, all working together to help provide funding for the extensive training and travel requirements in this elite sport.

If you want to join Aisling’s adventure, sponsorship packages are available by contacting amyanne31@hotmail.co.uk. or you can visit the dedicated GoFundMe page https://www.gofundme.com/f/aisling-skating-competitive-entry-fees-25-26 

This is Aisling’s story: “My name is Aísling, I am 14 years-old and I am a figure skater from North Devon. I train four times a week at Bristol Ice Rink, even though I live in North Devon, which is one hour 30 mins away from Bristol, so a three-hour round trip.

“I wake up at 3.30am to train as my practice ice time starts at 6am and we live so far away.

“I have worked my way to Level 6 in Free Skating, which is called Advanced Novice, and I will be competing next season 2025-26 all over the country as a Level 6 competitor. There are only eight levels until you become a senior skater and therefore the highest level you can be. That is my aim in the next couple of years.

“I started to compete nationally last year and won my first competition at National Level 2 against 28 competitors from around the UK. I have also just won my latest competition in March 25 at the BIS Open in Sheffield at National Level 5 (Intermediate Novice). I love competing and, although I feel a little nervous beforehand, I just love the pressure of competing in front of a crowd and a panel of judges. I thrive during these moments and can’t wait to compete again next season.

“I would like to become an elite figure skater and be a competitor at Grand Prix events, World Championships and the Olympics. I love skating and feel such a connection to the ice, I could not imagine doing anything else for my future career.

“I attended an international skating camp in Europe during summer 2024 and this helped my skills to progress so much and I would like to go again this year to continue my progression.

“As winter sports are not well funded here in the UK, it is better to train at facilities in Europe, if possible, with coaches who have international experience.

“Figure skating is a very expensive sport with my boots costing £500 each time and blades also £500. These are replaced when my feet grow even the tiniest bit or after approximately nine months of training.

“Lessons are £25-40 for 30 minutes and currently I have 5-6 lessons a week. Accessing ice is £85 per month. Plus the cost of travelling three hours to get to the rink and home. Competition dresses are £500 per dress with Level 6 being two routines (so needing two dresses). Competition entries are £100-£150 to enter, plus we have to be there early, so often stay overnight.

“This means that continuing on my journey to progress up the skating levels is virtually impossible without the kindness of businesses, individuals or charitable organisations to help me in my journey.

“If anyone feels they are able to give anything towards my fundraiser it would be so greatly appreciated and would help me continue in my quest to become an elite figure skater and achieve my full potential. You may see me one day at the Winter Olympics with the knowledge that you helped me to get there!”