Alder Hey were privileged to welcome back the beautiful and former Grand National winner Neptune Collonges to Alder Hey, alongside some of the jockeys set to ride in tomorrow’s big race at Aintree Racecourse.
Children and young people, families and staff loved the chance to meet Neptune Collonges, who won the 2012 Grand National, before the jockeys headed up to the wards to spread smiles, share stories and hand out gifts to children and young people.
This special visit has become a much-loved annual tradition, made possible by the fantastic partnership between The Jockey Club and Alder Hey Children’s Charity, celebrating 25 years together this year.
Some of the jockeys who came included Nico de Boinville, Henry Brooke, Sean Bowen, Patrick Mullins, Harry Skelton, Harry Atkins, Tristan Durrell, Richie McClernon, Tom Bellamy, Sam Twiston-Davies and Heidi Palin.
We always look forward to our annual visit from Neptune Collonges and the Jockey Club. It’s a truly special day for our children, families and staff, made even more meaningful this year as we celebrate 25 years of partnership between Alder Hey Children’s Charity and the Jockey Club. Thank you for coming and seeing us again.”
Anne Doyle, Experience Manager at Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust said:
Oliver Christie, who this year will be the Jockey Club’s honorary 35th runner of this year’s Grand National, also got the chance to meet Neptune. Oliver has undergone five open heart surgeries at Alder Hey, and he is currently an Alder Hey outpatient after he underwent his fifth open heart surgery operation on March 9th, before being discharged last week.
On Saturday, Oliver will be joined by 21 friends and family to watch the Grand National at Alder Hey’s amazing MediCinema, which is funded by Alder Hey Children’s Charity and MediCinema Charity.
A huge thank you to everyone who took time out of their day to visit and help create such memorable moments.