SOME 30 racing personalities visited Children’s Health Ireland in Dublin on Thursday.

Paul Townend, Donnacha O’Brien, Davy Russell and Rachael Blackmore were among those who attended and were admittedly overwhelmed by the courage and good spirits of the children, their families and the staff at the hospital.

The visit was the brainchild of Galway-based jockeys’ physio John Butler who said: “Sometimes the most important moments happen off the track and for me this was certainly one of the greatest.”

Paul Townend said: “It’s been an emotional but very rewarding afternoon. What an honour it is to visit these little heroes! Jockeys are often praised for bravery going down to a fence at 40mph, taking falls, getting back on but the reality is that’s just what we do and it’s our chosen profession.

“From our eyes, there is no group more brave or special than the children attending CHI at Crumlin, along with their parents and the staff.

“We had a lovely visit today, we got to spend time with some of the children and their families, we met the staff and got a real insight into the day to day realities here in Crumlin and I’d like to think we brought a sense of fun and light-heartedness to those we met today too.”