Thank you to local taxi drivers

The children, who have a range of life-limiting health conditions, were taken to the capital, to enjoy a morning of fun activities at the BGC Charity Day on Wednesday 11 September – a fundraising day in commemoration of 9/11 and dedicated to raising money for good causes.

For one girl three-year-old Annabelle Thomas it was the first time she had travelled in a black taxi and into London outside of a hospital appointment.

Dad Chris Thomas said:

We had an awesome day. It was Annabelle’s first trip to London outside of a hospital visit and she absolutely loved it. Annabelle was very excited and really enjoyed the taxi ride. We were able to bring her Wizzy Bug on board, which is essential to Annabelle being able to move around independently. We had the most fantastic day at the BGC Charity Day. She loved the treasure hunt and magic show. Thank you to our lovely black cab drivers for enabling us to enjoy this day as a family. 

We put an appeal out on social media for taxi drivers to help drive children to the event. The response from the local community was phenomenal and the hospice wishes to thank everyone who offered their help.

PR and Communications Manager Paola Noto added: "Haven House Children’s Hospice is a charity that relies on the support of our local community. For many of our families travelling is not an easy task – with many children having to transport wheelchairs and medical equipment. With no budget to spend on travel, for events like this, the taxi community’s support was crucial in enabling us to take the children to have a fun and memorable day out in London.

We are extremely grateful to the kind-hearted taxi drivers who responded to a call for help and who gave their time and use of their vehicles for free. These are the local heroes who help us make a real difference to our families.

The hospice would like to thank cabbies Martin Franks, Luke Scott, David Birch and Stephen Clark for their support.