A four-year-old girl who spent the first year of her life in hospital after being born four months premature has been named the honorary 41st runner in this year’s Grand National.
Betty Batt spent 13 months undergoing emergency surgery, blood transfusions and critical care after being born weighing only 650g (1.5lb).
Her name will now appear alongside 40 horses taking part in the world’s premier steeplechase.
“She is our little miracle,” Betty’s father, Phil Batt, said. “No matter what comes we will all continue to love her with everything we have and with utter joy and immense gratitude to those who never gave up on her and gave us this most precious gift.”
Betty, who was as tall as a ballpoint pen when she was born in 2017, was swiftly placed in intensive care at Liverpool Women’s hospital.
After doctors discovered two bowel perforations, she was transferred to Alder Hey hospital for emergency surgery, where a dedicated team catered to Betty’s medical needs. She returned to her Warrington home, siblings and parents months later.
She was described by nurses as bringing out “the best in people”.
The 41st honorary runner title was created by the Jockey Club in 2017 to raise awareness and funds for an individual or cause. The Jockey Club, which runs the Aintree racecourse, nominated Betty to help raise funds for the children’s hospital.
Since its inception, the title has had four recipients, including 19-year-old Lydia Barker, who struggled with obsessive compulsive disorder, and the Alder Hey children’s charity in 2019.
Dickon White, the Jockey Club’s regional director for Aintree racecourse and the north-west, said the work at Alder Hey deserved worldwide recognition.
“By highlighting the Batt family’s story and promoting the work Alder Hey do for children and young people day in, day out we hope to raise awareness and much needed funds to help other youngsters and their families,” he said.
The Grand National is one of the country’s biggest sporting events, drawing millions of viewers since its founding in the 19th century by a Liverpool hotelier.
Last year the jockey Rachael Blackmore became the first woman to win the Grand National title. It was cancelled in 2020 as a result of the coronavirus pandemic – and a virtual race took place instead.
This year’s race takes place at Aintree on Saturday 9 April.
