This was my third time with the Children’s Magical Taxi tour to Disneyland Resort in Paris and it’s still fantastic to watch the children enjoy themselves on their once in a lifetime trip. Organised annually by the Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers, this is a trip that involves precision organising. Phil Davis and his committee, which includes Jim Rainbird (T25), deserve praise for their efforts and the time that they put in.
   A major problem turned up on our way to Dover. The convoy of 98 cabs, police from the Met, South Yorkshire and Wales, AA and London Ambulance service had to suddenly divert to the Channel tunnel as the French Fisherman had decided to block our route to France.
   On arrival at our hotel at 8pm, we were totally exhausted but still looking forward to taking the children around Disney the next day. My two charges for the weekend were Charlotte and Natalie. They were both autistic, but I could sense their excitement as Natalie reminded me how she was looking forward to going on the rides.
   I shared a room, as in previous years, with Dennis Heavin (A01) and Steve Tyson (V99). As Dennis was the oldest, we decided he should take the top bunk with Steve on the bottom, as he was the shortest. I took the double bed as I was the biggest!
   Saturday morning opened with a prolonged growling noise! It sounded a bit like my beloved Nissan Micra trying to start on damp November morning! But it was Dennis clearing his throat! Steve was also talking in his sleep. His mumbling sounded like "Please don’t send me to Milton Keynes empty!" I got my own back as I have a diploma in snoring!

   After breakfast, we made our way to the Disney attractions with each child being given a pass to avoid the long queues. Charlotte’s face on the ‘Runaway Train’ was a picture that I will always treasure. I could sense she was thrilled even though she could not tell me her feelings. We watched the Disney parade with its theme of Halloween and then made our way back to the hotel. We retuned later in the evening after the park was closed for a special dinner with the Disney characters, and yes, there really is a Donald Duck! The 160 children were ecstatic as they had their photos taken with their idols - plus securing that all-important autograph! After dinner, if you had any energy left, there was a disco and then home to our hotel beds.
   After breakfast on Sunday, the convoy made their way back to Calais escorted by the French police and finally onto the P & O ferry back to Dover.
   Giving sick children with life threatening illnesses a break from their day to day routine of treatment and therapy makes you realise that you don’t really have any problems to worry about. I’m looking forward to next years trip already. Oh, and the children…I think they had a great time too!

Russell Hall (G44)