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

This is the first visit of its kind to the hospital where some of the country’s famous faces from the racing industry stopped by to spread some Christmas cheer ahead of the busy festival period.

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 novel idea is the brainchild of Galway based jockeys’ physio John Butler who felt the industry needed a good shot of festive fun in advance of the busy Christmas racing period and what better place to visit then Crumlin at a time when children are at the heart and soul of the festive season. John 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.”

Tracey Wall, Director of Nursing at CHI, thanked all the racing personalities who visited the hospital today and said that visits like this from children’s sporting heroes was so important at this time of year. The children and families had a fantastic day getting autographs and photos and enjoyed talking to them about their and their horses fitness regime.

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