After a yearlong epic fundraising challenge to lose weight and get fit, before attempting the gruelling ascent of Kilimanjaro, three London cabbies, Daren Parr, John Dillane and Brian Heffernan, presented a cheque for £18,000 to the Taxi Charity.
The idea to climb Africa’s tallest mountain all started from an innocuous tweet asking fellow cab drivers if they wanted to lose weight and improve their lifestyle by training to climb the formidable highest mountain in Africa, Kilimanjaro, while raising money for the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans.
In September 2019, after a year training for the challenge and shedding almost 12 stones, John and Daren reached the summit after a six-day climb – (sadly Brian sadly was turned back by the medical team on the final day of the ascent).
On 5 December at the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans Christmas Lunch, the proud London Cabbies presented a cheque for £18,000 to support the work the charity does to support veterans from all conflicts.
When asked what this challenge meant to him, London cabbie Daren Parr said;
“Reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro, donating such an amazing amount to The Taxi Charity, and raising the profile of London black taxis makes me so proud. The Cabbies Do Kilimanjaro are delighted to have raised £18,000 for such a brilliant cause and we would like to thank all those people who have supported us over the past year.”
About Cabbies do Kilimanjaro
In September 2018 a tweet was sent to fellow London cab drivers asking if anyone wanted to lose weight, improve their fitness, change their lifestyle and climb Kilimanjaro to raise money for the Taxi Charity.
Twitter @Cabbiesdokili
Facebook @CabbiesDoKilimanjaro
About the Taxi Charity
The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans was formed in Fulham in 1948, to work for the benefit, comfort and enjoyment of military veterans and arranges many trips every year for veterans from all conflicts.
The charity offers international trips to Holland, Belgium and France, UK day trips to concerts or museums, transport to attend fundraising events, as well as special days out to catch up with friends and comrades.
To fund and facilitate these outings, the charity is wholly reliant on generous donations from members of the public, businesses and trusts and the amazing group of London licensed taxi drivers who offer their time and vehicles free.
For more information, to arrange interviews or to request images please contact
Christina Bowden – 07984 433614 / christina@bowdenpr.co.uk /www.bowdenpr.co.uk
