Community Champion: April from Robin's Pie & Mash Shop

April, right, with her colleagues at Robin's Pie & Mash

Every successful charity has people working quietly behind the scenes who never seek recognition but whose dedication makes a real difference. For the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, one of those special people is April from Robin's Pie & Mash Shop in Basildon.

Since we first met April, she has been nothing short of an incredible supporter of the Taxi Charity. Her enthusiasm, generosity and unwavering commitment have helped raise both vital funds and awareness for the work we do with our military veterans.

April's passion for supporting veterans comes from a very personal place. Her father served in both the Royal Air Force and the Special Forces, giving her a deep understanding of the sacrifices made by those who have served.

Robin's Pie & Mash Shop has become much more than somewhere to enjoy a great meal. It has become a welcoming place for veterans, where April ensures they receive a warm welcome and are always well looked after. Her kindness and genuine care for veterans reflect the values that the Taxi Charity is built upon.

April is also one of our greatest supporters, regularly sharing the Taxi Charity's Facebook posts, helping to spread the word about our events, activities and the support we provide. Through her wide network of customers and friends, she has introduced countless people to the charity and encouraged them to get involved.

Her fundraising efforts are equally remarkable. April has one of our collection pots and in a wonderful show of generosity, often encourages spare change to be placed in the Taxi Charity collection rather than her own tip box. It is a small gesture that speaks volumes about her selflessness and commitment to our cause.

Never one to stand still, April is always thinking of new and creative ways to raise money. She has inspired other local businesses to display Taxi Charity collection pots, helping to grow our presence across the community. While many shops now support us thanks to her encouragement, Robin's Pie & Mash remains a truly successful community collection point, a testament to April's dedication and the generosity of her customers.

Photos: April was invited to the Taxi Charity's annual Worthing outing on 14 July 2026