Cabbies Bring Christmas Cheer to Kids at Great Ormond Street Hospital
Black cab drivers treated children from Great Ormond Street Hospital to a festive tour of London’s Christmas lights, spreading holiday joy.
London, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Christmas Lights, Black Cab Drivers, Charity
London: A group of black cab drivers decided to spread some holiday cheer by taking children from Great Ormond Street Hospital on a special trip to see the Christmas lights. It was a heartwarming gesture for kids who are missing out on festive fun while in the hospital.
Eight children and their families hopped into cabs decked out with tinsel and lights. Inside, they found Christmas crackers, Santa hats, and sweet treats waiting for them. It was all about making the experience magical.
One of the kids, three-year-old Alfie, has been in the hospital since June. He’s been through a lot, including a bone marrow transplant, and is hoping to spend a few hours at home on Christmas Day. This trip was a much-needed break for him and his family.
Alfie’s mom, Kathleen, shared how special the outing was for them. They loved seeing the festive decorations, especially at Fortnum and Mason. For them, it was more than just a lights tour; it was a chance to do something together as a family.
She mentioned that they haven’t been able to enjoy typical holiday activities like visiting Santa or ice skating, so this was a big deal. Alfie, who loves vehicles, was thrilled to ride in the glass-roofed cab, taking in all the lights above.
The driver, Lee McQueen, went above and beyond to make the trip special. He decorated the cab, played Christmas music, and made sure the kids had plenty of treats. Kathleen said he was fantastic with the kids, making the whole experience feel festive.
Lee organized the tour through the hospital’s play team, which is funded by charity donations. This team helps make hospital stays more enjoyable for kids, providing festive activities and support for families during tough times.
Lee, who has been a cab driver for nine years, has a personal connection to the hospital. He remembers donating to their charity as a child and continues to support it. He even offers free rides to families heading to the hospital.
During the trip, they saw beautiful lights around Regent Street, Piccadilly Circus, and Oxford Street. The other drivers who joined him were just as excited to help out, feeling honored to be part of such a meaningful experience.
Lee hopes to make this an annual event, wanting to expand it each year. He believes it’s a privilege to help these families and create lasting memories during the holiday season.
If you want to support the Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity, you can donate at their website. Every little bit helps in making a difference for these kids and their families.