In the latter part of December, some of the most inspirational individuals in London’s legendary black cab community gave up their free time to ensure that their efforts brought happiness to those in the most difficult situations of their lives.
More than a handful of volunteer cab drivers, led by cab driver Lee McQueen, adorned their cabs with tinsel and Christmas lights to convert their black cabs into mobile parties. They not only drove their cabs but also transported passengers through a festive experience with music galore, Santa hats, Christmas crackers, and chocolates for each and every kid on board.
On the day of the outing, eight children who were staying at Great Ormond Street hospital were collected straight from the hospital entrance for a magical tour of central London’s famous holiday displays.
In such children, who are battling serious long-term conditions, normal Christmas functions may become difficult or impossible when one is in the hospital. Also, some of these children may have weaker immune systems; hence, such functions may become difficult for them to participate in, so a non-intrusive taxi tour of this nature presented a unique opportunity to make memories with the children in such a way that actually brought happiness.
The drivers were navigating through renowned holiday sites such as Regent Street, Piccadilly Circus, and Oxford Street, allowing the families to take in the twinkling lights of London during the holiday season. Several of the parents reported that this marked the first holiday celebration they had been able to share with their children in weeks or even months.
In the taxis, the magic also extended, with chocolates, candies, drinks, festive Christmas songs, and seats adorned with Santa hats to make each child feel special, almost like a royal treatment. He is a father of two and a qualified London tour guide from Essex. He organized this event in partnership with the Great Ormond Street Hospital play team, which is supported by Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity in order to provide enjoyable activities for children. The Independent He told the media that he’s always wanted it to become an event that happens every year and gets bigger and better each time, and that a few other taxi drivers who assisted him hope that it can become a regular occurrence during the festive season.
Being fully wheelchair-accessible and roomy, with enough space for families with medical gear, the black cabs of London provided an environment where the children with special needs could easily be accommodated by the drivers, who treated them to exactly what they could have otherwise skipped on their Christmas treat. The Independent This is just one example of the bighearted tradition that exists in the overall ethos of many taxi drivers in London, who will regularly provide free journeys or special help for families traveling to and from Great Ormond Street Hospital. fantasticfacts
