Media ReleaseMonday May 9, 2015

London cabbies transport war heroes to WW1 battlefields 

Scores of cabbies are offering their services to the Taxi Charity - also known as the London Taxi Benevolent Association For War Disabled - to transport war heroes to the battle fields of Belgium (on Tues 10 May.)

The 64 London taxis will transport 98 veterans plus volunteers and paramedics to the town of Ypres - now by its Flemish name of Ieper, and formerly known by the hundreds of thousands of British troops who were stationed in the region between 1914 - 18 as ‘Wipers'.

The highlight of the trip will be to the Menin Gate memorial where the last post is played every evening at 8pm. The names of the 54,332 British, Irish and Commonwealth men who fell in the region and have no known resting place are engraved on the monument.

The second world war heroes, who hail from across the capital will also visit the Passchendaele Museum, commemorating the bloody Battle of Passchendaele (31 July - 6 November, 1917) and the In Flanders Fields Museum situated in the historic Cloth Hall.

Taxi Charity Committee member, Paul Davis said: "All of our drivers who are working cabbies are giving up their time freely to pick up the vets from their homes across London and give them a memorable experience and the opportunity to pay their respects to those who tragically lost their lives on the battlefields of the First World War. The charity, along with licenced London cabbies is proud to support ex-service veterans as we have done since 1948."

Last year, the Taxi Charity organised a trip to Arnhem to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the Liberation of The Netherlands and took an active role supporting and transporting veterans to the VE and VJ ceremonies.

Only licenced London taxi drivers can drive for the Taxi Charity and veterans take an active part throughout the year by collecting donations across the capital.

The charity counts Dame Vera Lynn and Joanna Lumley among its patrons.

To find out more about the Taxi Charity or to donate to its work, visit the websitehttp://www.taxicharity.org/

ENDS

Notes for Editors

Please get in touch if you'd like to join the trip at any stage or would like pictures or interview.

Trip Itinerary

Tues 10May

7am - Pick ups from across London
11.10am Ferry from Dover
Mid-pm Arrival at hotel
Evening meal in the Cloth Hall in centre of Ypres.

Weds 11 May

Late breakfast and drive to Passchendaele Museum.
Return to Hotel for tea
8pm Menin Gate service
Return to hotel for supper with guests.

Thurs 12 May

Travel to Belgium Military Barracks for a parade and demonstration followed by lunch
Return ferry home from Calais

About the Taxi Charity

The London Taxi Benevolent Association For War Disabled, also known as the Taxi Charity, was formed in Fulham in 1947. Its object then was to help the war disabled, in their homes and hospitals, throughout London and the home counties, by providing entertainment, outings and much needed specialised equipment.

The charity's aim now is simple: to work for the benefit, comfort and enjoyment of the war disabled and veterans.

The Taxi Charity's president is Harry Joel MBE, who was awarded a Burma Star. For more information about Harry's life and commitment to the charity, please visithttp://www.taxicharity.org/#!our-president/c1h5e

In order to fund outings, the charity seeks donations from the general public and organisations, and relies on volunteer London licensed taxi drivers to provide their taxis and time for free.

Over the past years, the charity's events have been honoured with many guests, including HRH Princess Alexandra, HRH Prince Philip, HRH Duchess of Kent, Sir Douglas Bader, Vice Admiral Sir Adrian Johns and Lady Suzie Johns, Group Captain Leonard Cheshire VC and many celebrities of TV, sport and theatre.

Follow the Taxi Charity on Twitter@TaxiCharityand onFacebook

Contacts

Rachel Jones, press officer for the London Taxi Benevolent Association For War Disabled

Tel: 07825 568244 Email:rachel@cheltenhamcommunications.co.uk

Taxi Charity: Dick Goodwin 07941 772264 Derek Leone 07768 867731 Paul Davis 07860 850102