Children Celebrate Extra Special Charity Trip to Southend-on-Sea

On the morning of Thursday 12 July 2018, the London Taxi Drivers’ Fund for Underprivileged Children’s (LTFUC) committee members welcomed volunteer London taxi drivers and over 250 very excited children to Sainsbury’s (Low Hall), Chingford for the legendary annual LTFUC outing to Southend-on-Sea. An extra special trip as the charity celebrates its 90^th year.

Once all the volunteers had been fed, the taxis decorated and the children and helpers allocated to each taxi, the convoy set off for Southend-on-Sea with lights flashing and horns beeping!

On arrival at Southend the Furry Tail Folk were there to greet all the children, who were treated to lunch and then it was off to Adventure Island to enjoy the rides and attractions and sample the candy floss, ice cream and donuts!

At 4pm coaches arrived to take the happy children back to the Cliffs Pavilion for some tea and a disco where they all had a great time. The Mayor of Southend, Councillor Derek Jarvis also joined in the celebrations. Now it was time for the Best Dressed Taxi competition. First prize was scooped by Claire Zazzara who won the Terry Stapleton Rose Bowl, plus a full engine service and MOT for the excellently decorated ‘Mr Whippy ice cream van’. Second prize went to Steve Pulham. The disco ended at 6pm and it was off to the taxis for departure back to Chingford.

As the convoy left Southend, the children were taken by surprise when the Leigh-on-Sea Fire Service hosed down the taxi procession as each one passed by. The look on the kids’ faces was priceless!

Michael Son, BEM, the Fund’s Honorary Chairman commented ‘I would like to send a heartfelt thanks to everyone involved on this 90^th outing. I am nothing short of proud of the level of commitment from the committee, taxi drivers and everyone who gives up their time for the day to assist us. Long may these trips continue to help these fantastic children who are so appreciative of this wonderful day.’

To find out more about the LTFUC please visit www.ltfuc.org.uk

To donate online to the LTFUC please visit https://www.ltfuc.org.uk/donate/

About the LTFUC

Established in 1928, run voluntary by London Taxi Drivers, the LTFUC enriches the lives of disadvantaged children through fundraising and hosting functions and events throughout the year. Throughout its 90 year history, the LTFUC have provided essential funding for the purchase of recreational, technology and mobility equipment for children, schools and hospices.

Article: Debbie Crowley

PR Enquiries: PR@relyable.co.uk

Charity Enquiries: committee@ltfuc.org.uk