Paramedics Help Reunite Military Veterans with Old Friends on Special Seaside Trip
By Charities Correspondent
Military veterans were reunited with old friends for a day beside the sea after volunteer taxi drivers and London Ambulance Service crews helped take them on a special trip to Worthing.
The annual outing, organised by the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, brought together veterans from across London, including Chelsea Pensioners from the Royal Hospital Chelsea, for a day of friendship, laughter and shared memories.
Around 300 people took part in this year's event, including veterans, carers, volunteer taxi drivers, ambulance crews and supporters.
The convoy stopped first in the Surrey village of South Holmwood, where everyone enjoyed breakfast together before continuing to the Sussex coast.
When they arrived at Worthing Pavilion, the veterans were welcomed by the town's Deputy Mayor, Councillor Henna Chowdhury, before enjoying an afternoon of entertainment and celebration.
Among those taking part was World War Two veteran Paul Terry, who also worked for the London Ambulance Service.
He said: "It means a great deal to all of us veterans that the London Ambulance Service continues to support the Taxi Charity.
"Whether they're joining us on our annual day out to Worthing or travelling with us on our remembrance trips to the Netherlands, Belgium and France, their presence gives us reassurance and allows us to enjoy these special occasions with confidence.
"We are extremely grateful for everything they do."
Five members of London Ambulance Service volunteered their time to accompany the trip, continuing a partnership with the Taxi Charity that has now entered its fifth year since the popular seaside outings resumed after the pandemic.
Mylton Burden, who helped organise the day on behalf of the ambulance service, said it was a privilege to support veterans and help them spend time with friends and former comrades.
The Taxi Charity has been organising outings for military veterans since 1948, creating opportunities for those who served to meet old friends, share memories and enjoy days out together.
For many of those on board, the journey to Worthing was about far more than a trip to the seaside.
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It was a chance to reconnect with people who shared similar experiences, celebrate lasting friendships and enjoy a day dedicated to those who served their country.
If you would like to support the work of London Ambulance Service and our crews, why not join the London Life Hike on Saturday 26 September?
There’s a family-friendly 6km route or a more challenging 21kn route around some of London’s most famous landmarks. All funds raised will go to the London Ambulance Charity – register here.
