John Davis (V41J) has been on Dial-a-Cab for many years, but found fame in Call Sign four years ago after successfully jumping from an aeroplane over Cambridge in order to raise funds for 10-year-old Jack Pitcher, who was blind, epileptic and wheelchair bound through a neurological degenerative disease. John raised a significant amount that went towards buying Jack a specially converted van to give his life some extra quality. Sadly Jack died, but his family told this magazine at the time what a hero they thought John was.
   Now John has hit the news again after helping to free four children from the wreckage of a car wreck, as their mother lay trapped and unconscious in the driver’s seat.  
   The accident happened in Epping New Road and John Davis was first to come on the scene following the three-vehicle smash.
   He jumped out of his cab and battled to free the woman’s children and also a man trapped in one of the other cars – this one

Doreen Freeborn: 13 February 1947 – 31 July 2008

Martin Freeborn (C67) and I go back a long way, to our earliest days on Dial-a-Cab. And as our friendship grew closer and stronger, so our wives got to know each other too.
   Doreen grew up in Shepherds Bush and started her working career with pirate radio ship Radio London (Big L). She met many of the DJs that are now household names as they were just starting their careers during those early days of pop music broadcasting.
   She then moved into the insurance world, staying with the same firm almost 39 years before retiring in February 2007. Several directors from the American parent company specially flew over to the UK, not only to join in Doreen’s leaving party festivities, but also to pay tribute to Doreen’s loyalty and competency at her job.
   Doreen and Martin met while abroad on holiday and were married in October 1968. They lived for each other, with many shared interests including regular sea cruises, music concerts, Masonic weekends and a 30 year love affair with a certain north London football club whose emblem is a Cannon...!
   My memory recalls Martins’ 60th birthday bash when with my wife’s permission, Doreen and I trotted around the dance floor, her dress in her favourite colour of red flowing from side to side as we moved across the room. She reminded me of the Chris de Burgh song from which my heading is derived.
   Meanwhile, and also with my wife’s permission (!), Martin was whizzing my Marilyn around like she was Ginger and he was Fred!
   Alas in recent years, Doreen’s health began to wane as she struggled with the effects of rheumatoid arthritis and latterly, cancer. Never once though did I hear her complain about the difficulties of living with such debilitating illnesses, nor the discomforts of treatment. She will be missed by family and friends alike, none more so than by her beloved Martin.
   Friday August 8 at Hendon Crematorium saw Doreen’s final goodbye before a standing room only congregation. Doreen had even picked out her own farewell music (The Bee Gees hit - and Doreen and Martin’s personal favourite - Massachusetts and Cliff Richard’s Miss You Nights). Chairman Brian Rice represented DaC…
   Doreen, may you rest in eternal peace…

Alan Green (E52)