News & Updates

We recently dispatched our October 2026 newsletter. If you want to have a read of the full newsletter, click here... If you'd like to join our mailing list for future updates, click here.

Following the success of Hero Harry, there will be a new Taxi Charity children’s book bringing the experiences of our veterans to life for a younger generation. Hero Geoff began as an idea from dedicated young fundraiser and Taxi Charity ambassador, Alfred Mawson. Written by his mum, Grace, and beautifully illustrated by his sister, Lilly, the book is inspired by the true World War II experiences of Taxi Charity veteran, Geoff Roberts MBE, during Operation Market Garden. The

Photo credit: Daan Van Oort Veterans joined thousands of people in the Netherlands this weekend to remember the men who fought and died during Operation Market Garden, 82 years after the battle began. The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans took a group of veterans, including eight who served during WWII, to the Netherlands for the annual commemorations, including the mass parachute drop at Ginkel Heath on Saturday 19 September, which was attended by more than 60,000 people, a

Taxi Charity trips involve plenty of planning, but sometimes even the best-laid plans come down to a frantic dash against the clock. This time, it was veteran John Pinkerton who found himself in a race to reach Harwich and the ferry for the Operation Market Garden trip. John had spent much of the day searching for his passport, which had mysteriously disappeared just when he needed it most. After dinner with our volunteers Keely, Kallie and Dean, they took him home for one fi

Two groups of supporters took on the Thames Bridges Trek on 12 September, walking 25km through London and crossing 16 historic bridges to raise money for the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans. Supporter Jay Louise Knight and her friend Teresa Abouzeid set off first, followed by a second team made up of trustee Keely Allen, ambassadors Ellie Elston and Abbie Kennedy, and supporter Mick Bannister. The challenge took the teams along the Thames and across some of London’s most f

Taxi Charity ambassador and Parachute Regiment veteran Chris Willmott is no stranger to a challenge, but during the 79th Airborne Wandeltocht he took on something truly extraordinary. Chris set himself the challenge of completing a ‘Quandeltocht’ – his own name for the challenge – by walking all four available distances of the famous Airborne Wandeltocht within 24 hours. Setting off in drizzling rain, Chris began with the 40km route before continuing through the night to comp

Whenever the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans takes veterans to the Netherlands, there is one very special part of the journey that never fails to make an impression. As the convoy of London black cabs arrives at the Hook of Holland, members of the Dutch Police are waiting to provide a motorcycle escort for the journey to the veterans’ hotel. For the next two hours, the officers take charge of the convoy, escorting the taxis safely through the Netherlands, while stopping tr

WWII veterans with His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, Chris Rampling CMG MBE Ten WWII veterans travelled to the Netherlands with the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans last week, receiving a wonderful welcome and VIP treatment at the finish of the world-famous Wandeltocht, the largest walking event in the world. Arriving on the overnight ferry from Harwich, the itinerary began on Friday 4 September with a very special breakfast at the British Ambassador's Residence

The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans has a remarkable history stretching back to 1948, when London’s licensed taxi drivers first came together to support veterans. Today, our volunteer drivers continue that tradition, providing memorable trips, events and experiences for veterans from across the generations. Our volunteers can talk about how the charity began, the role London’s black cab drivers have played in supporting veterans over the decades, and the many trips and eve

Five WWII veterans who are supported by the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans enjoyed a very special evening on 1 September, when they attended the European premiere of Pressure, the new film telling the extraordinary story behind the weather decisions that shaped D-Day. Colin Bell, Mervyn Kersh, Marie Scott, Ruth Barnwell and Dorothea Barron were invited to the premiere, to ensure that veterans who had lived through the events depicted in the film had the opportunity to att

Each month, the Taxi Charity sends out greeting cards to veterans. A recent card featured Arthur Gladden - the grandfather of one of the charity ambassadors, Kaye Gladden-Thorpe. Kaye has long been associated with the charity as she used to accompany her greatly missed Uncle Bill, WWII veteran William Gladden, on charity trips. We wanted to know more about her family and Kaye kindly shared this family history. Arthur Walter Gladden was born 11 February 1891 in Great Yarmouth

On 15 August, the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans was honoured to be invited to Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow for what was truly an unforgettable day. Our veterans had an incredible time and were welcomed with such warmth, kindness and appreciation by everyone they met. Wherever they went, they were treated like the stars of the show, with members of the public stopping to thank them, speak with them and show their appreciation for their service to our countr

Three WWII veterans took to the skies in Spitfires on Thursday 13 August, fulfilling a lifelong dream thanks to the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans. Ivan Staines, Paul Terry and Alf Cooley had the extraordinary opportunity to take to the skies in an iconic Spitfire, with each veteran flying in a separate aircraft operated by Fly A Spitfire at Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar. The flights were financed by the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans from a dedicated fund established t

Veteran, Chris Langford, was introduced to the Taxi Charity in 2023 and quickly found a renewed connection with the veteran community. His first major trip was the 79th anniversary D-Day commemorations in Normandy, where he met veteran Victor Needham-Crofton, who has since become a close friend. In August 2026, Chris was invited to become an ambassador for the charity. Here's a short Q&A with him... 1) When and where did you serve in the Armed Forces? I served in the British

The Taxi Charity was delighted to join The Not Forgotten for a summer garden party at Danny House, a Grade I listed Elizabethan red brick mansion, near Hurstpierpoint in West Sussex on Sunday 2 August. Set against the beautiful backdrop of the historic house and glorious sunshine, veterans, volunteers and guests enjoyed a wonderful afternoon of music, entertainment and companionship. The entertainment was first class, with performances from the ever-popular Jive Aces, The Not

On 12 September 2026, Taxi Charity volunteers Keely Allen, Micky Bannister, Abbie Kennedy and Ellie Elston will be taking on the Thames Bridges Trek, walking 25km across the capital with one ambitious goal – to raise at least £5,000 to give military veterans the unforgettable opportunity to fly in a Spitfire. For many of the veterans supported by the Taxi Charity, a Spitfire isn't just an aircraft. It represents courage, sacrifice and the generation that defended our freedom.

The Taxi Charity is incredibly fortunate to have the continued support of the London Ambulance Service. Their commitment goes far beyond providing medical cover – their crews give veterans, volunteers and families the confidence to enjoy every trip, knowing expert help is always close at hand should it ever be needed. Whether accompanying our annual seaside outing to Worthing or travelling with us on overseas remembrance visits to the Netherlands, Belgium and France, London A

We are delighted to welcome Linda Baker to the Taxi Charity committee as our new Health and Safety Officer. Linda spent her entire working life with the same City of London law firm, joining as an 18-year-old Personal Assistant and building a long and successful career before retiring. Looking back, she is proud of the commitment and dedication she gave to the firm over so many years. Outside of work, Linda has always enjoyed leading an active lifestyle. From cross-country ru

We recently dispatched our July 2026 newsletter. If you want to have a read of the full newsletter, click here... If you'd like to join our mailing list for future updates, click here.

More than 50 London black cabs, carrying veterans from the World War II through to more recent conflicts, descended on Worthing on Tuesday 14 July for the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans' much-loved annual summer outing. The convoy of licensed London taxis began the day in the village of South Holmwood, Surrey, where volunteer drivers, veterans, supporters and volunteers gathered for refreshments before making the journey together to the Sussex coast. South Holmwood Villag