Colin Mills, Chairman of the Taxi Charity, reflects on 2025

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, 120 licensed London Black Cab drivers generously gave their time to support trips and events for our veterans. Their goodwill, dedication and professionalism made everything we do possible. With the sharply rising costs of operating as a licensed driver in London, their commitment was even more remarkable.

I also want to thank our board of trustees, many of whom are working drivers themselves. Their guidance, commitment and hands-on support, combined with their understanding of the practicalities of volunteering, have been instrumental in the charity’s success.

Looking back, 2025 was a year full of achievements and memorable moments. Here are just a few of them...

January

WWII veteran Don Howkins celebrated his 104th birthday, and WWII veteran Mervyn Kersh attended the Holocaust Memorial Service at the Guildhall.

February

WWII veteran Don Turrell, who served with the Cameronians, joined us on a planning trip to the Netherlands, where we visited the Dutch Army’s Recovery and Identification Unit, which specialises in the recovery and identification of WWII victims, and Bronbeek, the Dutch equivalent of the Royal Hospital Chelsea.

March

In March, International Women’s Day was marked with an inspiring event at the RAF Club, where two WWII veterans entertained guests with stories of their lives. Volunteers also joined celebrations for WWII naval veteran Ernie Davis’ 100th birthday.

April

April saw trustees attend the Lord Mayor’s Big Curry Lunch at the Guildhall, bringing together over 1,650 leaders and decision-makers to support charitable causes. Volunteers also paid their respects at the funeral of WWII veteran Norrie Bartlett at The Garrison Church in Aldershot and joined in celebrating the 100th birthday of WWII veteran Peter Kent at the Union Jack Club.

May

May was a particularly momentous month. We took veterans to the Netherlands for the 80th anniversary of Dutch Liberation. Our Vice President, Dick Goodwin, was awarded the distinguished title of Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau by His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, recognising his lifelong dedication to supporting veterans. Volunteer drivers assisted The Not Forgotten Association at the Buckingham Palace Garden Party, providing transport and support to veterans attending this prestigious event.

May also marked the 80th anniversary of VE Day, when WWII veterans Marie Scott, Pat Outram and Dorothea Barron attended a special service at Westminster Abbey with Their Majesties the King and Queen and other members of the Royal Family. Three veterans and three of our licensed cab drivers were honoured with a private audience with the Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street. Trustees also attended a workshop with Blind Veterans UK to better understand how to support veterans with limited or no vision.

June

June took us to Normandy for the D-Day commemorations, where the Vice Chairman and Dorothea Barron spoke at the service held at Memorial Pegasus, and WWII veteran Marie Scott read the Kohima Epitaph at the Bayeux CWGC. Volunteers and friends from the Netherlands and France celebrated WWII veteran Don Turrell’s 100th birthday in Frinton, Essex, and attended the 100th birthday of Operation Market Garden veteran, Geoff Roberts.

July

In July, 70 volunteer drivers supported our annual trip to Worthing, maintaining a tradition dating back to 1948. That month also saw Geoff Roberts and his family driven to Buckingham Palace to receive his MBE, followed by a celebratory lunch organised by the charity.

August

August included a trip to Scotland with veterans revisiting locations filled with wartime memories and veterans taken for a day out to the Eastbourne Airshow.

September

September saw us travel to the Netherlands for Wandeltocht, the Airborne march, commemorating the Battle of Arnhem. While veterans enjoyed VIP treatment at the finish line, several of our volunteers completed a 15km section of the 40km walk. Later in the month, we attended the anniversary of Operation Market Garden in Arnhem and visited the International Rivers School for a Q&A session with students, helping educate the next generation about the sacrifices made by our veterans.

October

Veterans and volunteers were invited to attend a Veterans Air Experience Day at Popham Airfield.

November

Taxi Charity ambassador, Richard Iles, decorated his house with 235,000 Christmas lights to raise funds for the Taxi Charity.

December

December brought the year to a joyful close with our annual Christmas Lunch at Millwall FC. The executive suit had undergone refurbishment which looked fabulous but sadly restricted the number of guests we could invite. One very special highlight of December was enabling 102-year-old Robbie Hall to experience a glider flight, fulfilling a lifelong wish. In addition, some members of the Veteran Collection team were treated to a flight in a Dakota.

It is through the dedication of our drivers, volunteers, trustees and supporters that these meaningful experiences are possible.

Chris Langford, a veteran who served with the Princess of Wales Regiment, captured the sentiment perfectly:

“To everyone involved with the Taxi Charity, who made all the trips this year possible, THANK YOU! Your kindness, compassion and dedication have created unforgettable experiences. You've given us veterans a chance to revisit memories, reconnect with fellow veterans and feel the gratitude of different nations. Your selflessness and generosity have touched hearts, and your efforts will be cherished forever. You're helping keep veterans' stories and sacrifices alive, ensuring their bravery and service are never forgotten. Thank you for your tireless work, kindness and respect. You've made a profound impact on our lives, and I think I speak for every veteran you have ever helped. We're forever grateful.”

Chris’ words are a poignant reminder of the real impact our work has on those we serve. It is not just the trips, ceremonies or events - it is the moments of connection, compassion and respect that define the charity.

As a fellow cab driver, I am immensely proud of what our trade continues to achieve. The time, effort and goodwill given by every volunteer driver - whether on shifts, taking leave from their work or supporting events across London - cannot be overstated. You are the backbone of this charity.

To everyone involved, from trustees and volunteers to supporters who raise awareness of our work, thank you. Your commitment ensures that veterans are honoured, remembered and celebrated. 2025 was extraordinary, and I look forward to continuing our mission together in 2026.

Colin Mills

Chairman

Taxi Charity for Military Veterans