Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust (SASH) is proud to announce its continued participation in one of London's most heart-warming annual charity events, the Children’s Magical Taxi Tour.
Five children from SASH, selected for their courage in the face of chronic illnesses, embarked on a magical three-day journey to Disneyland Paris, in a convoy of London taxis.
Organised by the Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers, the event sees a convoy of more than 90 taxis, and escorts from the City of London Police, Gendarmerie Nationale, and other emergency services, take children with chronic and life-limiting conditions on the trip of a lifetime. The event is made possible by the generous contributions of donors and sponsors who cover the cost of transport, meals, and admission to Disneyland Paris. All drivers volunteer their time and vehicles.
The Magical Taxi Tour, now in its 30th year, has become a beacon of joy for children and their families, offering a brief but impactful respite from the challenges of illness. This marks the seventh year of participation for the Trust, further cementing its valued partnership with the organisers and the event’s role in brightening the lives of young patients.
Helen Keegan, whose children participated in last year’s tour, said of the experience:
“When I got the call, I was overwhelmed with happiness. I kept it a surprise from the children until the day we left. The trip was magical for them – seeing them carefree and having fun was something I’ll cherish forever”.
Highlights for her children included the Tower of Terror ride and the excitement of being on a boat for the first time, but for Helen, the most significant aspect was witnessing her children, usually burdened by illness, simply being children again.
Helen said: “It was such a relief to know that, with the medical staff supporting us, I could relax and enjoy the moment as a family. The experience also provided much needed healing for us after a difficult period.
“We still talk about Disney fondly. It gave us a chance to heal as a family and escape, even for a short time”.
Helen’s children: Cian, Ruby, Violet and Moises. Copyright: Helen Keegan.
The dedicated team from SASH played a critical role in ensuring the children's safety throughout the trip. Charlotte Park, a Paediatric Epilepsy Clinical Nurse Specialist and David Barton, Lead Emergency Practitioner at SASH, were instrumental in helping families feel confident about the journey, forming lasting bonds with many of the children in their care.
David, who has been involved with the event for 13 years, said:
“Every year, I see the families’ joy and hear from parents who struggle to put into words how special this event is. The smiles, the laughter – they say it all. The taxi drivers, the medical teams and the organisers work tirelessly to ensure that these children can experience the magic of Disney.
“This event is not just a trip - it gives families, who are often burdened by their children's medical conditions, a chance to step away from their everyday worries and simply enjoy being together”.
Participating in events like this is part of the Trust’s commitment to provide the best medical care and emotional support for patients and their families. The tour gives children with complex needs the chance to create memories that last a lifetime.
See photos from this year's event below and more can be found here.
With the Sherrif of London
With the Gendarmerie police.