Paramedics at London Ambulance Service joined a convoy of black cabs taking sick children to Disneyland Paris for a journey of a lifetime.
The Magical Taxi Tour, funded by the Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers and the Make-A-Wish Foundation, gives families the chance to spend magical moments together away from hospitals and treatment.
London Ambulance Service has supported the tour for many years, with staff providing clinical care if a child falls ill on the trip or needs to urgently return home. This year, the service provided two ambulances and two fast response cars, with paramedics volunteering their own time to be part of this special experience.
Among the children enjoying the remarkable adventure this year was Bella, 7, who has acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, alongside her mother, Kim, and twin sister, Lilly.
Kim Hearnden, mother of Lilly and Bella, said:
“The twins had the best weekend.
“One year ago, Bella was in the Marsden on high-dose chemotherapy. We spent weeks in hospital, where she made two very special friends. This weekend, they were running around Disney together instead of being on a hospital ward. I couldn’t have pictured or dreamt of this a year ago.
“What these amazing people put into this trip, giving up their time and making the children’s dreams come true, I can’t even begin to explain the emotions and how thankful we are.
“We are so blessed to have been on this trip. It was a weekend of magic without the worry of hospitals or appointments. We got to live in the moment, which is something we haven’t been able to do for so long. It was wonderful.
“We are so thankful to everyone who has made this happen. You have all left imprints on our hearts.”
John Crowley, Incident Response Officer and Event Team Commander for London Ambulance Service, said: “I love going on these wonderful trips. Being a paramedic often means supporting people through incredibly difficult times, and the children and families attending have been through unthinkable hardship. They deserve to experience some happiness.
“It is so heartwarming to see the huge smiles on the children’s faces, and on their parents’ faces, as they enter the Magic Kingdom.”
London Ambulance Service Chief Operating Officer Craig Harman attended the celebratory Big Breakfast on Friday 25 September at Canary Wharf to wave goodbye to the families and crews as they set off on their magical adventure.
Craig said:
“I am extremely proud of the compassion and kindness displayed by our crews, who have volunteered their time to provide an unforgettable weekend for these children and their families.
“Seeing the excitement on the children’s faces – and their parents – as they prepared to set off was incredibly special. The children making the trip have been through very trying times. They deserve to feel joy and happiness. This weekend, they could simply enjoy making memories together.”
Since its inception in 1994, the programme has taken 5,400 children to Disneyland Paris, with London Ambulance Service, alongside the City of London Police and the AA, providing 200 support vehicles over the years.
