Getting up at 4.30am for a 5.45am breakfast at Canary Wharf seems a very small price to pay to support what is one of the most deserving of all causes ….  The annual Magical Taxi Tour organised by the Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers since 1994.  www.magicaltaxitour.com.

On 16th September, 120 Black Cab drivers gave up their weekend to drive children suffering from a range of chronic debilitating illnesses and life limiting conditions, to Disney® Paris for three days of fun where all difficulties and challenges can be put aside for a magical weekend.

Each of the cabs is sponsored and Lightmongers was delighted to sponsor the taxi driven by Frank O’Beirne (his first ever trip) carrying Sophie, sister Hufta and Dad, Bilal, for their special weekend.

The convoy of horn-tooting taxis, that will extend for over two miles on the open road, left Canary Wharf at about 7.00am accompanied by the City of London Police and the Gendarmes of France.  What a great example of international co-operation!

The London Ambulance Service and the AA are also participating in this epic annual voyage.

To start the journey the Hackney Carriage Drivers organised a hearty send-off breakfast for about 500 people including the drivers, participating children and their families, and sponsors.

Master Hackney Carriage Driver, Stephen Plumb, made a short speech to thank the many volunteers who had made the whole event possible including the caterers and chefs of East Wintergarden at Canary Wharf, who hosted the event for 27th time.  Special guest was Alderman and Sheriff Alison Gowman.

If anyone had not quite come to life at that early hour, they were soon wide awake after a rousing musical display by the Royal British Legion Band and Drum Corps.

Here’s hoping that dreams come true at Disneyland.