Alder Hey welcomed some of the jockeys who are set to compete in this year’s Randox Grand National.
Some of the best jockeys in the business, including 2019 Grand National Winner Rachael Blackmore, Harry Skelton, Patrick Mullins, Harry Cobden, Sam Twiston-Davies and Alder Hey Charity Champions Mick Fitzgerald and AP McCoy, spent time with families and staff on their annual visit to Alder Hey.
Neptune Collonge, the horse which won the 2012 Grand National, visited Alder Hey’s garden, where some of the children and families at Alder Hey had the opportunity to pat and feed the beautiful and friendly grey.
Some jockeys then went to our wards to meet and talk to the children, young people, and families who couldn’t see Neptune.
When you come here and you see what a great job that all the staff do, all the nurses, all the doctors, just bringing a little bit of joy to people’s lives. It really does make you realise how lucky that you are.”
Mick Fitzgerald, 1996 Grand National winner and Alder Hey Charity Champion.
Joshua announced as 35th runner at the National.
Alder Hey patient Joshua Duckworth, 8, will be the honorary 35th runner at the 2025 Randox Grand National!
Joshua, who lives near the racecourse in Aintree, is being cared for by our neurology team after being diagnosed with 4H leukodystrophy, a rare genetic disorder which leads to neurological and other developmental issues.
This is the sixth time Alder Hey Children’s Charity has been chosen to receive this honour, thanks mainly to the incredible partnership the charity has had with the Jockey Club for over 20 years.
Dickon White, Regional Director at the Jockey Club, said: “ We are delighted to welcome Joshua as our 35th runner for the 2025 Randox Grand National. The honorary runner position has played a huge role in highlighting the brave battles of some extraordinary youngsters and the amazing work of Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and Charity, which Aintree Racecourse has now been partnered with for 23 years.”