Over 200 children suffering from chronic or life-limiting illnesses from across England were taken to Disneyland Paris by black cab drivers from London. The trip, now in its 30th year, aims to provide some comfort and fun for the children during tough times. Families left Canary Wharf and arrived at Disneyland Paris on Friday evening. The event is organised by The Magical Taxi Tour charity and The Worshipful Company Of Hackney Carriage Drivers. The taxi drivers offer their time and vehicles for free and everyone on the trip is a volunteer.
Cabbie Phil Davis, who has been on his 30th trip, said, “It’s a challenge but we all do it to see a smile on their face.” A mother who lost her son with palliative care shared that he went on Space Mountain four times when they brought him to the magical trip, and after he came off from the ride, she saw his beaming smile, one that she had not seen for years. It is all about creating memories.
The group of black cabs was escorted by police officers from City of London Police and the Gendarme Nationale from France. London Ambulance NHS Trust and AA breakdown vehicles were also present on the trip. Some Birmingham Children’s Hospital children and their consultant, Dr Lauren Johansen, were part of the group. Dr Johansen joined her father in participating in the same trip, driving one of the cabs to Paris. She said it is humbling to see the strength of the families who are going through a lot and that being able to provide them with medical support makes the trip possible.
The children spent their Saturday at the Disneyland theme park while the event ended with a formal dinner and disco. They headed back on Sunday. According to Mr Davis, 90% of parents and carers do not tell their children about the trip until the night before. The black cabs left Canary Wharf early on Friday morning after the Royal British Legion band played music to kickstart the journey
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