On Tuesday 4th July Free Spirit specialist Jan and past team leader Mary motored off to Worthing’s Pavilion Theatre. They had been invited by the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans to attend their latest event for ex WWII veterans as a thank you for supporting the charity. As long time champions of the charity, this was a great opportunity to socialise with all the veterans, as well as the charity’s Honorary Secretary – Dick Goodwin – who Free Spirit has been working with for many years.
Free Spirt and The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans
Since 2015, Free Spirit has been providing the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans with specialist, travel insurance to take many veterans on memorial trips. For example, we provided over 300 veterans with travel insurance in 2017 to ensure they could attend a remembrance service in Normandy – despite their combined age and medical conditions.
The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans
This year the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans celebrates 75 years of supporting WWII veterans. Its objective has always been to assist veterans at home, in hospital and across the home countries (Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and England). Plus, they provide veterans with specialised equipment, entertainment and organise regular events throughout the year.
The event on Tuesday 4th July was their annual trip to Worthing. In total, 50 taxi drivers picked up 100 veterans and their families from across London – and its suburbs – to ensure they arrived on the promenade by 12 noon.
On arrival, they were greeted by Worthing Town Crier alongside the charity’s patrons (Vice-Admiral Sir Adrian Johns, KCB, CBE, KStJ, DL and Lady (Suzie) Johns). Next they were seated for a platter of fish and chips in the Pavilion Rooms. The party atmosphere rang out throughout as all the guests enjoyed some live music and a talk from a VIP guest speaker.
Everyone eagerly listened to an insightful talk from 102-year-old Mosquito Pilot Flt Lt (Retd) Colin S Bell DFC. Colin S Bell shared insights from the lead-up to WWII and his role throughout it.
As the sun dipped it was time for the veterans to motor off into the sunset, to reflect upon the stories they’d heard and the entertainment they’d enjoyed. Plus, the chats they’d had with Jan and Mary – before a nightcap at South Holmwood Village in Surrey.
Dick Goodwin, Honorary Secretary, Taxi Charity for Military Veterans said:
“Our annual trip to Worthing is always much loved by our veterans, volunteers, and guests. This year was very special as we are celebrating our 75th anniversary and were joined in the Pavilion Rooms by veterans from WWII, Korea, Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Falklands. We were delighted that Jan and Mary were able to join us, and we thank P J Hayman for their continued support.”
A quote from Free Spirit’s Customer Service Manager
“At Free Spirit, we take immense pride in our commitment to serve those who have bravely served our nation – our veterans. Recognising their sacrifices and dedication, we have dedicated ourselves to offering comprehensive travel insurance solutions.”
Become a partner or tell us about a charity that has supported you
Like the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans we have several other charities and organisations we help on a regular basis to ensure their customers/members have the freedom to travel, with confidence.
If you have a charity in mind that has enhanced your life – or someone else’s – that might require our help, get in touch by emailing: freespirit@pjhayman.com