News & Updates

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

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

There are many ways to thank a Taxi Charity volunteer driver for their hard work, but veteran Tom Weatherall clearly decided that Dean Euesden deserved something rather special. Knowing that Dean is partial to a whisky, Tom presented him with a Marks & Spencer gift set during the Taxi Charity’s recent trip to the Netherlands for the anniversary of Operation Market Garden. The set contained a flask, a bottle of Special Reserve Kenmore blended Scotch whisky and a packet of all-

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

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

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

The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans was delighted to take Flt Lt Colin Bell DFC to the Aero Legends Battle of Britain Airshow at RAF Woodchurch in Kent on 8 August, where he was given a hero’s welcome. Colin was accompanied by London licensed black cab driver, Dean Euesden, who watched in awe as Colin signed copy after copy of his recently published memoir, Bloody Dangerous, for enthusiastic airshow visitors. Colin’s own wartime story is extraordinary. He joined the RAF in

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

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

(Photo courtesy of PA photographer, Jordan Pettitt) The prestigious UK Picture Editors Guild Awards have been announced, with a selection of the top images from the past 12 months being celebrated at a major event held in the heart of Westminster. Press photographers often find themselves overlooked and under-valued, as they perform their crucial role of documenting and adding crucial insight into events taking place around the world, often at considerable personal risk. The

During the D-Day commemorations, acclaimed photographer and long-time friend of the Taxi Charity, Robin Savage, officially opened his latest exhibition, Go To It, at Memorial Pegasus Museum on 5 June. The exhibition features a powerful collection of portraits of men who served in the 6th Airborne Division during the Second World War. Every soldier in the division was a volunteer, united by a determination to make a difference in the fight for freedom. As young men, they demon

During the Taxi Charity’s visit to Normandy for the D-Day commemorations, one of the highlights of the trip was a memorable visit on 7 June to The Longest Yarn exhibition. Housed in Église Saint-Hilaire in Carentan-les-Marais, the remarkable display brings the story of D-Day to life through more than 80 intricate knitted scenes. Created by contributors from around the world, the exhibition combines artistry, history and community spirit, with every handcrafted tableau telling

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

The Ministry of Defence will pay for Second World War veterans to attend commemorations in Europe this summer in partnership with the Royal British Legion. Second World War veterans will travel overseas for commemorations of the Normandy Landings and the Battle of Arnhem, paid for by the Government. This commitment ensures that those who served can attend remembrance ceremonies in Europe, returning to sites of profound historical and personal importance. The Ministry of Defe

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

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

WWII veteran Mervyn Kersh received the British Empire Medal at the New Armouries in the Tower of London on Friday 10 April 2026. The honour for services to Holocaust education was presented by the Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London, Sir Kenneth Olisa OBE. We were delighted that one of our volunteer cab drivers was able to support Mervyn and his daughter, Lynne, on this special occasion, providing transport to the investiture ceremony and safely returning them home afterwards.