By Mark Brassel
The town of Gilgandra about 65km north of Dubbo will come together for something special this Saturday (7th February) - and not just for their Tooraweenah Cup race meeting.
Themed the 'Racing for Jess Tink' raceday, the community is pitching in to raise vital funds to support local mum Jessica Tink (30yo) and her family.
Last year Jess was hospitalised to treat excessive fluid build-up and pressure around her brain; the surgery was relatively straight forward.
But following the procedure Jess suffered a life threatening bleed on her brain requiring emergency surgery.

This Saturday features a special day's racing at Gilgandra. Image by Janian McMillan (Racing Photography)
She was in the fight of her life and over the next month, with complications upon complications, she began to regain consciousness.
After spending several months in ICU, Jess was transferred to a rehabilitation hospital during to significant left-side stroke like deficits.
Jess was transferred to Gilgandra late last year and is unable to walk or have any functional use with her left arm.
Funds raised on the day will go towards helping Jess and her family secure a suitable pre-modified wheelchair-accessible vehicle, ensuring she can access medical care and rehabilitation appointments.
And more importantly, continue to enjoy life with her three children - Alex (14), Xavier (9) and Isabella, and partner Jason Conolly.
On Saturday at the races there will be live music by Dusty Boots on Parade with a special guest appearance from Wiradjuri Rabbs Entertainment.
One of the highlights of the day will be a charity auction with many great items up for grabs including 4 tickets and 2 nights accommodation for The Championships VIP Raceday Luncheon at Royal Randwick (courtesy Racing NSW).
There will be a full bar, food vendors and TAB facilities, with a waterslide for the kids.
Support for Jess' recovery can be helped by donating here - GoFundMe