London paramedics join convoy of compassion for sick children

Paramedics at London Ambulance Service joined a fleet of a hundred black cabs to support sick children on a journey of a lifetime to Disneyland Paris.

The Magical Taxi Tour, funded by the Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers and Make a Wish Foundation, has brought joy to thousands of children with life-threatening illnesses over the years by offering a momentary escape from treatments and therapies.

London Ambulance Service proudly supported this event by providing three ambulance crews, one response vehicle and a command vehicle which allows the children to be cared for if they become ill or need to return back to the UK urgently. The ambulance crews all volunteered to look after the children in their spare time.

The Magical Taxi Tour provided sick children like Amelie, 9, who is recovering from a brain tumour, with an unforgettable adventure for her and her family – brother Toby and mum Lindsey.

Mum Lindsey said: “Wow – what an incredible experience for us all. We were so thrilled to be invited!

“Thank you to our fabulous taxi driver George and the London Ambulance paramedics for all of your hard work in escorting us. And thanks to The Magical Taxi Tour for organising and running this special event.”

Amelie said: “I was so excited! I had not been to Disneyland before but I had heard great things about it.

“I finished my chemo recently so this was an amazing treat for me. I also bumped into a friend I had made in hospital and I had no idea she was coming.”

Black cab driver George Thompson, whose mum works as a paramedic at London Ambulance Service, had the pleasure of driving the family to Paris. He said: “It was an absolute joy taking Amelie and her lovely family to Disneyland Paris.

“I’ve been taking children on this tour for three years now and it’s always so magical seeing the kids and their families having the best time of their lives. Dreams do come true.”

John Crowley, Incident Response Officer and Event Team Commander for London Ambulance Service, said: “For me, seeing the children’s faces light up and hearing laughter all around was a powerful reminder of why we do what we do.

“One family told us they were able to watch the fireworks on Saturday night in Disneyland with their little boy which is something they never imagined possible but they could because of this event. That moment made it all worthwhile.

“These families face unimaginable challenges, and their strength is humbling. It was an honour to support them.”

London Ambulance Service Chief Executive Jason Killens and Chief Medical Officer Dr Fenella Wrigley attended the celebratory Big Breakfast before waving the children and the crews off on their exciting journey from Canary Wharf last week (Friday 12 September).

Jason Killens KAM, Chief Executive at London Ambulance Service, said: “Every child should have the chance to experience unforgettable memories and I’m pleased that our paramedics and clinicians were able to help them enjoy this exciting trip to Disneyland Paris.

“I’m incredibly proud that our crews show such unwavering compassion and commitment to their patients and had offered their time to care for these children.

“A big heartfelt thank you to all our crews involved in organising and caring for patients on this trip.”

Since 1994, The Magical Taxi Tour has given over 5,000 children with life-threatening illnesses a magical, laughter-filled journey to Disneyland Paris.

In 2024, over 200 children travelled in a convoy over three miles long, supported by police and medical escorts.