Whenever I think of the London cabbies and their unswerving friendship and support for the veterans of the Second World War my heart fills with pride: pride that those brave veterans without whom we would have lost our freedom are cared for so unstintingly by the best taxi drivers in the world.
This year commemorates and celebrates 70 years of peace in Europe; our thanks and humble gratitude goes to these old warriors and to their friends (and mine) on wheels, the London Taxi Benevolent Association For War Disabled.
May the trip in May be a huge success, tempered by the poignant memory of those who gave their lives or became disabled through the conflict. Without them, without you, where would we be.
My love and admiration to you all in equal vast amounts.
Joanna Lumley OBE FRGS
Ms Lumley's father was Major James Rutherford-Lumley, 6th Gurkha Rifles.