EditorFFOS LAS: Racecourse boss returns to helm after open-heart surgery for Family Fun Day he says means more than ever
Kevin Hire, 62, underwent a six-hour operation at Morriston Hospital last October after a routine walk across the racecourse left him struggling to breathe. He has been recovering ever since — and this weekend’s event, which he has helped organise, is his first major raceday back at the helm.
The turning point came unexpectedly last spring. Walking around 150 yards across the course, Kevin found himself severely breathless, his chest tightening and his vision affected. Tests initially suggested a minor problem, but further investigation revealed severe aortic stenosis combined with the need for a double bypass.
“I was told my heart was working at 61% capacity and would drop to 40% within a year, then to 20%,” he said. “There was a serious risk of loss of life.”
For Kevin and his wife Nicola, the diagnosis was a shock that changed everything.
“That moment, getting back into the car and going home — we just didn’t know what was ahead,” he said.
On the road to recovery after undergoing a double heart bypass. (Image: Kevin Hire)Surgeons at Morriston replaced his aortic valve and completed the bypass in a single six-hour procedure. He was home within a week, but the recovery has been long and difficult. An 18-inch incision down his leg and a chest opened for surgery — what he describes as membership of the “zipper club” — left him with limited mobility and a healing process still ongoing.
“You go from being independent to needing help with everything,” he said.
It was his family who became his anchor. His daughters Mali and Nia were a constant presence — even presenting him with a Ted Lasso-inspired toy soldier as a good luck charm — while his wife Nicola took time off work to care for him full-time throughout his recovery.
The toy solder given to Kevin by daughters, Mali and Nia. (Image: Kevin Hire)Kevin on his first walk at Burry Port harbour, thrtee weeks after surgery.(Image: Kevin Hire)
“I can’t thank her enough,” he said. “She stayed with me constantly. We went into the unknown together, but we came out the other side.”
Kevin says the experience has reshaped not just his personal outlook but his view of what Ffos Las is for.
“It’s tough out there. The cost of living is going up and every penny counts. We want families to come here and have a fantastic day without worrying about the cost,” he said. “It hasn’t just changed how I look at my work. It’s changed how I look at everything.”
Sunday’s Family Fun Day at Ffos Las has been designed with affordability at its centre. Children go free with a paying adult, meaning a family of six can attend for the price of two adult tickets. A K-Pop Superstars live performance is among the headline attractions, alongside go-karting, face painting, funfair rides priced at £1, and live spring jump racing.
Families are encouraged to bring their own picnics. A wet weather guarantee means anyone caught in rain during the event will be invited back to a future fixture free of charge.
“To see the kids smiling and enjoying themselves — that’s what it’s all about,” Kevin said. “If families can come here, spend time together and make memories, then we’ve done our job.”
Crowds at last year’s Family Fun Day.(Image: Ffos Las Racecourse)
The event takes place on Sunday 12 April at Ffos Las Racecourse, near Trimsaran in Carmarthenshire. Gates open in the morning, with racing through the afternoon.
For Kevin Hire, after months of recovery supported every step of the way by those closest to him, this Sunday is more than a race day. It is a reminder of what matters most.
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