Jockeys who are set to compete at this year’s Grand National paid their annual visit to Alder Hey.
Famous names from racing including 2019 Grand National Winner Racheal Blackmore, Harry Skelton, Patrick Mullins, Sam Twiston-Davies and Alder Hey Charity Champion Mick Fitzgerald spent time with families and staff on their annual visit to Alder Hey.
Children, families and staff were also able to meet and have their photo taken with the 2012 winning horse, the beautiful Neptune Collonges in the hospital’s garden area.
The jockeys then went onto the wards to meet some children and families who couldn’t leave their ward areas and to thank the staff working there.
This year was the 22nd anniversary between Alder Hey Children’s Charity and the Jockey Club.
Soprano singer Laura Wright entertained everyone with a performance in the hospital. Laura, who will perform at this year’s Grand National, treated everyone at Alder Hey with a fabulous rendition of Let It Go and You’ve Got a Friend.
It’s brilliant to be able to come and it’s only an hour of our morning. You may just give someone something else to talk about for five or ten minutes. There are families up here who are talking to medical professionals all day, so it’s great we can give just a few minutes of our time and help them a bit.”
Rachael Blackmore
Thank you to all the jockeys, Neptune Collonges owner John Hales, Laura Wright and everyone from the Jockey Club for coming and putting a smile on all our faces today.
You can see some photos from the visit below:
Darcie and Sonny from our Young Person’s Forum had the opportunity to quiz some of the jockeys. Find out how they got on!