Volunteer cab drivers from the Taxi Charity are taking Chelsea Pensioners to see the London Christmas lights
The Taxi Charity and the Royal Hospital Chelsea have a very long relationship, so when the hospital asked if any of the charity’s volunteer cab drivers might drive some Chelsea Pensioners to see the lights, there was no shortage of help.
London cabbies and charity volunteers will be taking Chelsea Pensioners to see the lights on Regent Street, Oxford Street and New Bond Street in their iconic black cabs. With a fixed divider in the black taxis, the veterans are not in direct contact with the drivers during the Christmas lights tour and will not have to mix with the crowds who will be doing their shopping and admiring the lights in the West End.
Brian Heffernan, London cab driver and Taxi Charity volunteer, said: "It has been a really difficult year for everyone, and especially our veterans who have missed out on so many events. I was delighted to pick up some In Pensioners from Chelsea and take them into the West End to see the Christmas lights."
Dick Goodwin, vice president of the Taxi Charity, said: "It is always a pleasure to support the Royal Hospital and we hope that the Chelsea Pensioners enjoy their private tour of London’s fabulous Christmas lights."
Annie, one of the Chelsea Pensioners, said: "London looks truly splendid, and we would like to say a huge thank you to the Royal Hospital Chelsea and the Taxi Charity for this lovely pre-Christmas treat."
About the Royal Hospital Chelsea
The Royal Hospital Chelsea was founded in 1681 by King Charles II to provide a home for ‘the relief of veterans broken by age or war.’ Sir Christopher Wren designed the Royal Hospital Chelsea and it was opened in 1692. Today the Grade I listed site is still home to nearly 300 Chelsea Pensioners, who are all former soldiers of the British Army. The Royal Hospital provides the Chelsea Pensioners with a home, comradeship and the very highest standards of care during their advanced years, in recognition of their loyal service to the Nation.