The NSW Racing Industry has once again united to bring Christmas joy to Westmead Children's Hospital this afternoon.
For 27 years former jockey Malcolm Fitzgerald and photographer Steve Hart have raised money to purchase gifts for patients at two of Sydney's most prominent children's hospitals.
Thanks to additional support from Peter V'landys AM and Racing NSW, the visits have included Westmead Hospital for the past 11 years, in addition to Sydney Children's Hospital.
"Steve Hart and I started with a few donated presents, and we then began raising up to $5000 each year from jockeys, trainers, owners and bookmakers," Malcolm Fitzgerald said.
"When Peter V'landys found out what we were doing he provided additional funds from Racing NSW which has allowed us to buy enough toys for the two Sydney Children's hospitals, for which we are very thankful.
"We are also thankful for the NSW Jockeys Association who has come on board with its support, also lending us their CEO, Tony Crisafi, to don the red and white suit at Westmead - which he did an outstanding job!"
More than $16,000 worth of toys were purchased, thanks to a discount organised by Racing NSW with Target at Bondi Junction.
Fitzgerald and Crisafi (Santa) visited Westmead on Friday 13th December along with jockeys Nash Rawiller and Andrew Adkins, as well as Mollie, Cameron & Lacey Fitzgerald, Phillip O'Brien, Jess Hammond and Hollie Harrison.
Members of the racing industry will visit Sydney Children's Hospital at Randwick with Christmas presents on Sunday (15th December).