The Children’s Magical Taxi Tour was created to give sick children a break from their world of treatment and therapy by going on a trip of a lifetime to Disneyland Paris in a convoy of London taxis.
The weekend of 12-14th September saw the 21st running of the trip and the third year in succession when I have had the honour to drive the taxi sponsored by the Turners. I was privileged to take 6 year old Kasera, who had just completed two weeks of radiotherapy two days before, her sister Tasnim and their mother Shahana Ali; a delightful and incredibly brave family, whose positive approach to what they face was an inspiration to me and very humbling.
The drive to Disneyland takes about 11 hours so when we finally arrived it was a case of getting something to eat and trying to calm the excited children so they could get some sleep. Saturday involved a full day in the Magic Kingdom, culminating in the spectacular Disney Parade, before rushing back to get ready for the gala dinner that evening. Everyone gets dressed up for the occasion and I do not think that I have ever seen so many Disney princesses in one place! The highlight for the children is the appearance of the characters which leads to lots of cuddles and kisses for the entranced children. After a very late bedtime, Kasera and Tasnim appeared bleary eyed on Sunday morning ready for the long trip back.
The Magical Taxi Tour is certainly an impressive sight with more than 120 vehicles containing families, nurses, doctors, police and often most importantly the motor mechanics of the AA.
I am very proud to have been able to play a small part in creating magical memories for all the children and their families whilst driving the “Turners’ Taxi” and I thank the Master and the Charity Committee for their support.
Alex Robertson, Clerk