London taxi driver receives Prime Minister’s Point of Light award for creating black cab app Unify
A London taxi driver has been recognised by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for his exceptional contribution to society and awarded the Point of Light award.
Micky Harris, who used a legacy from his late wife Barbara, created a unique taxi-hailing app that not only provides free services to drivers but also donates its profits to charities. Today, Harris received the prestigious daily Points of Light award in recognition of his outstanding efforts.
Harris, while studying for the Knowledge - the demanding process London taxi drivers undergo to acquire in-depth knowledge of the city's streets - stumbled upon the incredible work of the 'Taxi Charity for Military Veterans'. Moved by their mission, he wasted no time in joining the cause as a volunteer driver. Harris soon became an integral member of the charity, even serving as a committee member earlier this year.
Together, Harris and his wife Barbara had taken numerous veterans to events across the UK and embarked on special commemorative trips to the Netherlands and France. Their shared dedication and devotion to serving military veterans inspired them to find new ways of supporting the taxi trade and its associated charities.
In April of this year, Harris successfully launched a new taxi-hailing app, which has already garnered the support of over 2,000 licensed taxi drivers. Beyond offering passengers the convenience of accessing reliable transportation services, the app encourages and empowers passengers to make charitable donations. By choosing to ride with drivers on this platform, passengers not only receive the service they require but also contribute to various worthy causes.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Rt Hon Johnny Mercer MP, said: “Micky is one of the very best examples of those with a determination to help and support our veterans.
"His dedication to supporting wider charities, as well as volunteering for the ‘Taxi Charity for Military Veterans’ embodies the values we all look up to. I'm extremely pleased to see him awarded with this Point of Light award."
Micky said: “It really is such an honour to receive the Points of Light award from the Prime Minister's office. I work tirelessly day and night trying to do the right thing in an environment dominated by companies driven by profit. If this award can help bring awareness to others that if they try, it is possible to make a difference and with dedication and hard work, hopefully realise their dreams to make their community/world a better place for all. By working together in unity (Unify) we can all achieve so much more in life. I truly believe that we are all "Stronger Together."
Micky is the 2189th recipient of the Points of Light award, which was first launched in April 2014 to recognise outstanding individuals making a positive change within their community and inspiring others. Each weekday, someone, somewhere in the country is selected to receive the award to celebrate their remarkable achievements.
