A 100-year-old veteran and a young entrepreneur raise over £250,000 for the Taxi Charity
- taxicharity
- 6 minutes ago
- 3 min read
What happens when a young entrepreneur and a 100-year-old World War II veteran team up for a cause close to their hearts? In the case of the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, the answer is: they raise over £250,000 to support some of the last surviving heroes of WWII.
Through two remarkable Justgiving campaigns, this intergenerational duo have not only raised over £250,000 but also inspired countless people across the UK to reconnect with the legacy of the greatest generation.
Fuelled by purpose, powered by respect
Entrepreneur Johnny Gallagher may be decades younger than the veterans he champions, but his passion for honouring their service is unwavering. “I want my generation to understand and respect what these incredible men and women did for us,” says Johnny. “Their sacrifices secured our freedom; the least we can do is listen, learn and support them - however we can.”
That mission began in earnest last year when Johnny launched his first big fundraising campaign, and then earlier this year when he launched the Our Heroes Fund.
This year, Johnny and his oldest best friend, 100-year-old Dorothea Barron, are fundraising to support the Taxi Charity’s efforts to take veterans on key commemorative trips throughout 2025, including to the Netherlands in May for the 80th anniversary of Dutch Liberation and Normandy in June for the 81st anniversary of D-Day.
In addition to these poignant pilgrimages, the fund will also help the charity fulfil individual veteran's wishes, ensuring each hero is honoured in a personal and meaningful way. The first is a special journey in August to Scotland, where a small group of veterans will revisit locations that hold powerful wartime memories.
Johnny’s first fundraiser, was launched in 2024 to give WWII veterans the opportunity to return to Normandy for the 80th anniversary of D-Day and was a resounding success, raising enough to fund not only the France trip for veterans, carers, companions, drivers and volunteers, and give the charity much needed funding for other events, but also to grant a very special experience for Dorothea’s 100 birthday - a flight in a Spitfire - to fulfil a lifelong dream.
More than just a fundraiser
What sets this initiative apart isn’t just the incredible amount raised; it's the bridge being built between generations. Through social media, networking, press and public speaking, Johnny is spreading the message that remembering our veterans isn’t just for Remembrance Day - it’s an ongoing act of respect, gratitude and education.
“I hope that by sharing these stories and supporting these veterans, we can light a fire in the hearts of younger people,” says Johnny. “They deserve to be remembered; not as names in history books, but as real people with courage, humour and humanity.”
Supporting the Taxi Charity’s mission
For over 75 years, the Taxi Charity has been proudly led by volunteer London cab drivers, providing friendship, transport and support to veterans from WWII and beyond. These fundraising efforts are vital to continuing that work, not just through large commemorative events, but also through everyday acts of kindness, camaraderie and remembrance.
We are enormously grateful to Johnny, Dorothea and everyone who has donated. Your generosity is helping us deliver unforgettable experiences, honour last wishes, and ensure that veterans know they are never forgotten.
If you’d like to support the ongoing efforts to honour our heroes, you can contribute here:
