Ian's legacy will live on in Fife town's playparks

The legacy of a well-known and respected Kinghorn man who died very suddenly at the age of 45 is set to live on in the town's playparks.
Ian and Kerry with Rose and JasperIan and Kerry with Rose and Jasper
Ian and Kerry with Rose and Jasper

Ian Chrisp’s shock death following a heart attack left his friends and relatives stunned as there had been no warning signs that he had any health problems.

At his funeral at Kirkcaldy Crematorium mourners left donations amounting to almost £1000 which has been given to the Kinghorn Playparks Group, a sub committee set up by the Royal Burgh of Kinghorn Community Council specifically to work with Fife Council to tackle rundown and neglected playparks in the town.

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And the family hopes that the donations will be put to good use to help towards the cost of brand new play equipment at the Nethergate and Orchard Road playparks which are set to be completely refurbished.

Ian ChrispIan Chrisp
Ian Chrisp

Ian’s two young children Jasper (8) and Rose (4) are regular visitors.

Around 200 people attended Ian’s funeral and his nephew Alasdair Clark, who lives in Glenrothes, said people were very willing to leave generous donations when they heard what the money would be used for.

“It was something which was close to Ian’s heart because of his young children,” he told the Press.

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“Ian’s family and loved ones hope the donation will allow the parks to be developed soon, giving his young children a place to feel close to their beloved dad.”

Ian ChrispIan Chrisp
Ian Chrisp

Ian and his partner Kerry Duffy have lived in Kinghorn for over 20 years since they got together, and Ian loved the town.

He was a self-employed machine operator and worked on building projects around the country.

In his spare time he enjoyed playing darts and was a member of the Crown’s pub darts team.

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As well as contributing to the renovation of the parks, the family is hoping to put a memorial bench and plaque in the Nethergate park where the children enjoy playing.

Roy Mackie, chairman of the Kinghorn Playparks Group, said: “I’d like to say on behalf of everyone involved in the group a huge thank you to Kerry for trusting us with this very special donation in Ian’s memory.

“The idea of delivering the playparks and bench where Jasper and Rose can play and feel close to their dad will be a huge motivation for us to get this done. In the early stages we sat down with officers from Fife Council to come up with a plan of action.

“The Nethergate and Orchard Road are the ones we are focussing on first, and the good news is that we’re also getting £113,000 as part of the conditions for the new Lovell development for them.”