Arriving at the Pelligon in Canary Wharf at 5.15am on a Friday morning was a very an early start, but it was worth it to attend the send off for the Children’s Magical Taxi Tour to Disneyland Paris. I was privileged to attend with my husband Robert, and we both found it an incredibly moving, but also joyful, event.

For over 30 years a convoy of London taxis has taken children with life limiting conditions, together with their families and carers, to Disneyland Paris for a three day escape from treatment and therapy. This wonderful event is organised by the Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers, and WCTA is proud to sponsor one of the taxis.

Despite the early hour there was a real sense of excitement in the Pelligon, as families, carers, taxi drivers, police, and sponsors, including many members of the Livery, tucked into a proper full English breakfast. The Lady Mayor and Sheriffs were there, in their robes and chains, but with the addition of Mickey Mouse ears, and we were entertained by an excellent cadet band.

The highlight was seeing almost 100 taxis set off in 2 mile convoy from Canary Wharf, accompanied by police on motorbikes from the City of London and Kent Police, as well as the Gendarmerie Nationale.

The event was a demonstration of the work of the Livery in supporting important charitable causes. It is a true team effort, reliant on City, Livery and individual sponsors, and of course the London taxi drivers and medics who are so generous with their time and vehicles.

Caroline Turnbull-Hall