Taxi Charity ambassador, Callum Reid, describes his first visit with veteran Don Turrell since 2025 October

On 21 March 2026, I had my first visit with Don Turrell since October 2025 and it was a clear reminder of how quickly time flies. The winter months are always the hardest for him: the short days, cold weather, and a pause in the Taxi Charity outings that usually lift his spirits. We speak on the phone every week, but those calls can never fully replicate the impact of being face to face, reading each other's expressions and energy.

Over the past few months, Don underwent surgery, made an unexpected trip to A&E and needed a paramedic visit after a minor fall in his flat. Yet despite all of this, his doctors remain impressed, not just by how well his body continues to heal, but by the determination that has carried him through far worse in his lifetime.

When I walked into the room, he greeted me with the same dry humour and the familiar, slightly mischievous side‑smile that he is known for. The months apart collapsed instantly, replaced by the easy banter and camaraderie that have long defined our friendship.

Over the weekend, his voice grew stronger, and so did his energy. The clearest sign came when he walked the corridor outside his flat - twice, on consecutive days - for the first time in a while. It may have seemed like a small moment, but it captured the depth of his resilience and the determination that keeps carrying him forward.

What struck me most over the weekend was how grateful I am for our unique friendship. It is one built on trust, humour, kindness and a shared sense of purpose that has grown stronger with each passing year. As we talked about the months ahead, it was clear that the prospect of returning to the Netherlands for the Liberation commemorations, and to Normandy for the D‑Day events, still means a great deal to him.

If my visit offered anything beyond companionship, I hope it was a spark of motivation - a reminder that there are still journeys to make, stories to share and moments waiting for him.

Callum Reid

Taxi Charity Ambassador