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Black taxi drivers have offered ill children a complimentary tour of London’s Christmas illuminations to bring some joy during this festive season.
Vehicles adorned with Christmas decorations and tinsel arrived at Great Ormond Street Hospital to provide eight children and their families with a personalized exploration of the city’s holiday festivities.
Within the vehicles, there were Christmas crackers, Santa hats, and chocolate treats for the children, while festive classics played on the radio to enhance the celebratory atmosphere.
Included in the group was three-year-old Alfie, hailing from south-east London, who has been hospitalized since June and is expected to remain there until the end of January.
Mr. McQueen recounted his memories of contributing to charity collection boxes at the hospital during his youth, stating that he continues to support the cause and upholds the black cab tradition of providing complimentary rides to children visiting Great Ormond Street Hospital for treatment: ‘Each time I am on duty and someone enters my cab with a child requesting a ride to GOSH, I never charge them.’
The 42-year-old father of two from Brentwood, Essex, has been a black cab driver for nine years and has recently become certified as a tour guide, providing historical tours of the city through the Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers.
He mentioned that fellow cab drivers who had also received their tour guide qualification were more than willing to assist with festive outings for families in need: ‘I approached them asking, “Would you be able to support me?” and without hesitation, they replied yes right away.’
Mr. McQueen expressed that he felt quite emotional as he drove to the hospital after being assisted by his wife and children in adorning the cab with decorations, noting that Alfie and his family ‘adored it immediately.’
‘They indulged in the sweets and chocolates, the music was playing, and the lights were all set, each one wore their Christmas jumpers too,’ he remarked.
‘Their faces were simply beaming with joy.’
He continued: ‘It is incredible for me to be able to assist them.’
Locations visited during the two-hour excursion included Regent Street, Piccadilly Circus, and Oxford Street.
‘It was a true privilege to lend a hand. The gratitude expressed by everyone was overwhelming,’ the cab driver mentioned.
‘I have been contemplating this outing for an extended period, and I aspire to make it an annual event, enhancing it every year, so I am hopeful that with support from my current connections, we can establish this as a yearly tradition and take as many families out as we can.’
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