City of London officer’s last Magical Taxi Tour set to be ‘emotional’

The annual Magical Taxi Tour, where London’s iconic black cabs take seriously ill children on a special trip to Disneyland Paris, began its journey from Canary Wharf yesterday.

This year marks the final tour for Detective Superintendent Matt Mountford of the City of London Police, who has been involved with the event for 25 years, since early in his policing career.

Around 100 black cabs departed, carrying children with chronic or life-limiting conditions, along with their families and carers, for a weekend of unforgettable memories. The convoy, escorted by police outriders from the City of London Police and France’s Gendarmerie Nationale, will travel to Dover, before boarding a ferry to Calais, and onward to Disneyland Paris.

The event, celebrating its 30th Anniversary, has provided more than 6,000 children with this unique experience since it began in 1994. Over three decades, participating black cab drivers have donated 140 days of their time, covering approximately 19,000 miles in 3,000 taxis.

“I was part of Traffic, as it was called then, and as I was a police motorcyclist, I volunteered early on to be part of the amazing tour. Then I just became a regular outrider for the tour and have now been involved for about 25 years,” he said. “Every year creates special memories.  Seeing the joy on the faces of these wonderful kids who have so much courage and determination is very humbling.”

Matt explained that escorting the convoy can be logistically challenging from start to finish.

“We have had years where the convoy has broken, lost vehicles, sick children requiring emergency care, breakdown, collisions - not too many thankfully. It shouldn’t be underestimated the challenges this brings, and the total professionalism of the support team that surrounds the tour.”

For his last Magical Taxi Tour, Matt will be joined by his sons Lucas and Leon, who are also police officers.

He said: “The day will be emotional, I’m sure. I will miss the comradery, the laughs, and most of all, the smile and happiness it brings the kids and their families.”

Commander Umer Khan, City of London Police, said: “We are pleased to be able to support the Magical Taxi Tour for another year on their journey from Canary Wharf to Calais.

“Our officers will be assisting the children, families, carers and the cabbies to ensure they have a very special weekend.”