Former Children’s Magical Taxi Tour Guest Returns to Give Back 25 Years Later
In 2000, a young girl named Rachael, then battling Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, joined the Children’s Magical Taxi Tour – the annual convoy of London taxis that takes children with serious illnesses on an unforgettable trip from Canary Wharf to Disneyland Paris.
For Rachael, the adventure provided a rare moment of joy and normality amid gruelling treatments. Just months later, in April 2001, she went into remission, but by August the leukaemia had returned. What followed was three long years of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, along with further treatments including growth hormone therapy. Despite missing significant time at school due to hospital stays and appointments, Rachael’s determination never wavered.
The trip in 2000 was also life-changing in another way. Her driver, Jamie, who had volunteered to take Rachael and her mum to Disneyland, became a close part of their lives. Shortly before Rachael relapsed, her mum and Jamie began a relationship, and when she turned 18, Rachael chose to change her surname to his – a reflection of the bond they had built. Jamie remains incredibly proud of Rachael, not only for overcoming years of treatment, but also for all that she has achieved since. “She lost so much time in hospital, yet she has never let that hold her back. I am so proud to call her my daughter,” he said.
Now, 25 years after that first magical journey, Rachael will return to the Children’s Magical Taxi Tour – but this time in the driver’s seat. She will be joining the convoy of taxis once again, transporting children with life-threatening illnesses to Disneyland Paris, just as she was once taken.
Rachael is thrilled to be part of the event from a new perspective:
“The Taxi Tour gave me so much hope and happiness at a time when I needed it most. I want the children coming on the trip this year to see that there is life beyond treatment, and that even when things seem very hard, there is a future waiting for them. I can’t wait to help make their journey as magical as mine was.”
The Children’s Magical Taxi Tour has, since 1994, offered hundreds of children and their families a chance to escape hospitals and treatments for a few days of joy, thanks to the generosity of London taxi drivers, volunteers, and sponsors. Rachael’s story stands as a powerful testament to the lasting impact of the event, and the hope it continues to inspire.
The Children’s Magical Taxi Tour would welcome donations via their website at www.magicaltaxitour.com. The trips are fully funded by donations and sponsors.
