The sun shone on the legendary children's taxi charity outing to Southend-on-Sea

The London Taxi Drivers’ Charity for Children welcomed volunteer London licensed taxi drivers and 200+ special needs and disadvantaged children to Sainsbury’s car park in Chingford, where their legendary outing to Southend-on-Sea was about to commence. With history dating back 91 years, the charity runs annual outings for special needs and disadvantaged children and also provides funding for appeals in assisting children in need of help.

The committee is run by volunteer taxi drivers, and donations go straight towards helping the children. This year’s outing, held on Tuesday, saw the volunteer drivers arrive with their taxis decorated and the children and their helpers allocated their places before setting off for Southend-on-Sea. On arrival at Southend, the children were treated to lunch and then it was off to Adventure Island, chaperoned by the volunteer taxi drivers, to enjoy the amazing rides and attractions. Later in the afternoon coaches arrived to take the very excited and happy children back to the Cliffs Pavilion for some tea which led on to the disco!

Michael Son, BEM, LTCFC Chairman commented: “Our Southend outing was a huge success. The taxis looked amazing with our new branding on and the sight of the convoy travelling to Southend was really something special.

“Huge thanks to everyone who gives up their precious time for the day, especially our volunteer taxi drivers. “It is a humbling sight to watch the determined children go on all the rides and they are truly inspiring. “I must also thank our sponsors and committee members for the time and effort that is put into organising Southend each year. It is a privilege to help these fantastic children who are so appreciative of this wonderful day."