Big names bring festive cheer to patients and families at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital

Grand National-winning riders Sir Anthony McCoy, Rachael Blackmore and Mick Fitzgerald were among a group of jockeys aiming to spread Christmas cheer in a visit to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool earlier this week.

Fellow jumps rider Danny Mullins plus Flat jockeys Harry Davies and Ross Coakley and the recently-retired Franny Norton handed out gifts and spent time with some of the children currently receiving treatment on the wards and their families.

Aintree has a longstanding partnership with Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, with riders visiting every year ahead of the Grand National, but this was the first festive visit from current and former members of the weighing room.

McCoy, the 20-times champion jump jockey and Alder Hey patron, said: “Alder Hey is somewhere that I’ve been coming to for more than 20 years and I’ve seen the amazing work they do to raise funds to keep the place going and also the amazing work the nurses and doctors do – it’s the most fabulous place.”

Merseyside-born Norton, who brought the curtain down on his 36-year career at Chester in September, had not visited before but found plenty to take inspiration from.

He said: “This was my first time visiting Alder Hey Children’s Hospital for a ward visit and it was a huge privilege.

“The work of everyone here is nothing short of awe-inspiring, as is the bravery of the children receiving treatment.”

Gill Kennedy, celebrity, VIP and events Manager at Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, added: “To see our friends from The Jockey Club at Christmas was such a lovely treat for everyone here at Alder Hey.

“Coming here during such a busy period to give Christmas presents to our children and young people and to spend time speaking to our families was really special for us all. Thank you for coming to see us.”

Aintree stage a meeting on Boxing Day and racegoers are encouraged to bring presents to drop off at the racecourse on the day, with all items distributed to children and families in the local community through the racecourse’s partners.