News & Updates

The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans is inviting supporters, friends and anyone looking for a meaningful challenge to consider taking part in an Ultra Challenge to help raise vital funds for our work supporting veterans. Every year, Ultra Challenge allows thousands of people to participate in a fundraising challenge to walk, jog or run distances ranging from 10km up to 100km. Whether you’re a seasoned walker or simply want to set yourself a personal goal, the events are des

The enduring bond between the Dutch people and the veterans who helped liberate the Netherlands during WWII was once again beautifully illustrated when 100-year-old Arnhem veteran, Geoff Roberts MBE, was reunited with four-year-old Twan van Wetering during this year’s Dutch Liberation commemorations. The touching friendship began during the Taxi Charity's visit to the Netherlands last September for the 81st anniversary of Operation Market Garden. Geoff, accompanied by his dau

This summer, veteran Chris Willmott, who served with the Parachute Regiment, will embark on an extraordinary 1,524 mile cycling challenge from Arnhem to Normandy to raise vital funds for the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans. The ambitious journey will take place over 25 days, with Chris averaging an impressive 61 miles per day. His toughest stretch comes early in the challenge, when he will complete a demanding 97-mile ride on day four, cycling from Hanover to Magdeburg. As

WWII veteran Robbie Hall with Taxi Charity volunteer Kaz McDonald A deeply moving visit to the International Bomber Command Centre saw WWII veteran Robbie Hall pay tribute to her past, accompanied by volunteers from the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans. The International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC) is a world-class facility dedicated to recognition, remembrance and reconciliation. Home to the most comprehensive record of Bomber Command in the world, it ensures future gener

On Monday 13 April, Keely Allen, a trustee for both Corringham Athletic Football Club and the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, laid two footballs during a very special visit to the Christmas Day Truce Memorial in Belgium. Keely, who heads up fundraising for the Taxi Charity, was honoured to attend the memorial alongside WWII veteran Ivan Staines during the charity’s visit to Ypres. At the memorial, which marks the site where a temporary truce was declared over Christmas 19

Taxi Charity veterans with the Menin Gate piper and team of buglers Twelve volunteer London cab drivers from the Taxi Charity accompanied a group of veterans on a deeply moving visit to Belgium, joining commemorations and exploring key WWI sites in and around Ypres. The highlight of the trip was attendance at the iconic Menin Gate on 14 April, where the group took part in the daily Act of Remembrance at 8pm. During the ceremony, wreaths were laid in honour of the fallen by WW

We are incredibly grateful to the Veterans’ Foundation for their generous support. Their grant of £10,000 per year over the next three years, totalling £30,000, will make a significant difference in helping us meet our running costs and continuing to deliver unforgettable experiences for the veterans we are proud to support. This funding helps ensure we can keep taking veterans on meaningful trips of remembrance to places such as Normandy and the Netherlands, honouring thei

We recently dispatched our March 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.

We are delighted that The National Lottery Community Fund has awarded £10,271 towards this year’s trip to Worthing in Sussex. This special day trip to the coast is a long-standing part of the charity’s history and remains a much-loved tradition for both veterans and drivers. As always, the journey will include a traditional pit stop in the village of South Holmwood en route to Worthing, followed by a classic fish and chip lunch, entertainment at the Pavilion Theatre, and a l

On 21 March 2026, I had my first visit with Don Turrell since October 2025 and it was a clear reminder of how quickly time flies. The winter months are always the hardest for him: the short days, cold weather, and a pause in the Taxi Charity outings that usually lift his spirits. We speak on the phone every week, but those calls can never fully replicate the impact of being face to face, reading each other's expressions and energy. Over the past few months, Don underwent surg

The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans hosted a special event at the RAF Club on 10 March to celebrate International Women’s Day, bringing together serving personnel, veterans, supporters, volunteers and friends of the charity. The veterans included Robbie Hall, Dorothea Barron, Marie Scott and Ruth Barnwell, who all served in WWII. The afternoon highlighted the contributions of women in service, remembrance and charitable work, reflecting the values at the heart of the Taxi

Dave Hemstead with Matt Weston On 27 February 2026, we were honoured to participate in a special presentation at Gibraltar Barracks near Camberley. Taxi Charity volunteer drivers, Dean Euesden and Dave Hemstead, had the privilege of accompanying Afghanistan veteran Matt Weston and Chelsea Pensioners Clifford Belsey and Alan Clarke to the Royal Engineers' base. During the visit, stable belts were presented to the Sappers as they prepare to move on to their respective regiments

We recently dispatched our February 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 .

We recently dispatched our January 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 .

As both Chairman of the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans and a Licensed London taxi driver, I have the privilege of seeing first-hand the remarkable difference our volunteers make in the lives of veterans. As we begin 2026, I want to take a moment to reflect on 2025 and extend my heartfelt thanks to every driver, volunteer, supporter and trustee who contributed to another truly exceptional year for the charity. The heart of our organisation is our volunteer network. In 2025

On Saturday 13 December, 102-year-old WWII veteran, Robbie Hall, who served with Bomber Command, realised one of her long-held dreams as she enjoyed a breathtaking glider flight above Cambridge. The unforgettable experience was made possible by the Cambridge Gliding Centre , whom the Taxi Charity first met at North Weald Airfield on Remembrance Sunday. During that meeting, Robbie shared her love of adventure and explained that while the Taxi Charity had treated her to a Spitf

We recently dispatched our December 2025 newsletter. If you want to have a read of the full newsletter, click here ...

A new children’s book inspired by the life of a 101-year-old D-Day veteran is now available to pre-order, with all proceeds supporting the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans. Hero Harry tells the true story of World War II soldier Harry Archer, who stormed Gold Beach during the Allied invasion of Nazi-occupied France in 1944. His courage, kindness and lifelong sense of duty deeply moved young siblings Alfred and Lilly Mawson, moving them to capture his story in a book for ch

On 10 December, the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans will be holding a fundraising collection at Canary Wharf Underground Station. Throughout the year, the charity’s dedicated collection team of veterans give their time to engage with travellers and commuters at stations across London, helping to raise much-needed funds to support the charity’s work. The collections are coordinated by Taxi Charity volunteer Simon Hawes and trustees Terry Ward and Ian Parsons, who extend the

Last year , Richard Iles, a homeowner in Winterbourne Down near Bristol, decorated his house with more than 150,000 Christmas lights, raising over £15,000 in aid of the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans. For Christmas 2025, Richard is taking the display to an extraordinary new level by adding a further 85,000 lights and creating what is expected to be the largest, or certainly one of the largest, domestic Christmas light displays in the UK. Richard, who travels to Normandy e