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Children suffering from a
range of chronic debilitating illnesses and life limiting
conditions have enjoyed a three-day trip of a lifetime to
Disneyland Resort Paris. This is the 15th consecutive year
the event has set out from Canary Wharf, one of the
charity’s sponsors. Organised by a dedicated team of Committee
members - part of The Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage
Drivers - 100 taxis set out accompanied by police outriders,
medical teams and back up support. The City of London Police
provided a motorcycle escort and remained with the convoy
throughout the 3 days, supported by the Met police and
some officers from the French Gendarmes. Ambulances,
paramedics and the AA breakdown service also came
along, ensuring any unforeseen problems could be sorted out,
leaving nothing to stand in the way of making the dreams of
these children become reality. As the taxis began to arrive with
their passengers having been collected from various points
around London, the Big Breakfast send-off with 500 people
in attendance began. M&O were on hand to give each child and driver spending money, with The Marriott Hotel West India Quay providing packed lunches for the outward journey. At 7.30, the Band of the Blues and Royals played a fanfare to announce the arrival of The Lord Mayor of London, Alderman David Lewis and his Sheriffs, together with their Ladies, at Eastwintergarden, Canary Wharf to an atmosphere of great excitement. After a thank you to everyone involved in making the trip possible - including many of the sponsors present - the Lord Mayor went outside to cut the ribbon to mark the beginning of the journey to Disneyland Paris. Office workers stopped in their tracks to watch the convoy leave. At sunny Dover, the convoy boarded a P&O Ferry over to Calais. Each year P&O are generous in their support for the trip and once on board, a welcome message came over the tannoy. As drivers, helpers and children were busy making friends and getting to know each other, a calm sailing saw us soon arrive in France. A refuelling stop at a motorway service area at Asseviliers brought forward another surprise as clowns waved to welcome the convoy. The |
DAC ON THE MAGICAL TAXI TOUR TO DISNEY 2008 |
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 Donald Duck signs autographs for the kids!
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refuelling operation on the
trip is amazing to see with committee members dressed in white
space suits and wellies! In the time it takes to refuel, the
convoy and guests use the service area facilities and this year
were welcomed with refreshments which had been organised by the
director and staff of the group who operate the service areas,
Groupe Eliance. Then onto the last leg of the journey… We arrived at the hotel, then it was dinner and an early night ready for the Park! Saturday morning dawned bright - the Disney Committee had pulled out all the stops to order good weather! As I walked around the park, all I could see was excitement on the faces of our group – and not just the children! Taxi drivers were seen on many of the rides with their "family" - some looking a little green after going on Thunder Mountain! After a great day in the park, the children had even more excitement to come as they attended a Gala Dinner at the New York Hotel with Disney characters, face painters and a disco. Speeches were made with presentations to the Committee. For some drivers, there was a special presentation in recognition of the fact they had made every single trip over the 15 years of |
taking children on this, their
trip of a lifetime. They had given up 75 days work and driven
over 9000 unpaid miles. All those involved in supporting the
trip including the police, ambulance and the AA also received a
gift. Without their backup, the trip would not be possible and
their hard work ensures everything runs smoothly. All too soon,
the evening was over and the tired but happy children returned
to their hotel. Sunday morning was another beautiful day; passengers were in their cabs once again with food provided by Waitrose Supermarkets and the trip home began. Friendships began on the Friday but all too soon it was time for everyone to bid each other farewell. It is impossible to relay in a Call Sign report exactly how much this trip means to the children and their carers. London’s taxi trade can be proud of the big-hearted cabbies that drive the families on this trip. The Disney Organising Committee chaired by Phil Davis (F10) are very grateful to everyone who has helped makes this trip possible for the 15th time. The smiles on the faces of the children make it all worthwhile. The diary date for next year is 2nd October… Sandie Goodwin |
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