July 12, 2008
Outing raises 300 smiles from children
MORE than 300 children descended on Southend, intent on having a good time despite the grim weather.
The London Taxi Drivers' Fund undertook its 80th annual pilgrimage to the town with disadvantaged youngsters and children with special needs.
A convoy of 100 taxis, decorated with balloons, arrived at noon and headed for the seafront following lunch at the Cliffs Pavilion.
After a few hours at Adventure Island, it was back to the Cliffs for a slap-up tea before heading back to London.
Raymond Levy, fund spokes-man, said: "The weather didn't dampen the children's enjoyment at all. They went to Adventure Island despite the rain.
"The children were very excited. Some of them haven't been to the seaside before.
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"One child asked me if we were abroad. He had never seen the sea before.
"We take it for granted, but it something very special for these kids."
The children are from hospitals, foster homes and underprivileged families across the Greater London area.
It costs £8,000 to fund the outing with money raised by sponsorship and fundraising activities organised by the fund throughout the year.
The convoy is accompanied by police outriders, the RAC and St John Ambulance staff.
Mr Levy thanked all the organisations which made the daytrip such a great day, including the 100 cabbies who gave up a day's work.
He added: "It's all worth it to see just one child smile, but today we have seen 300 smiling children."
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