Kind-hearted cabbies shell out for kids

‘Tis the season for giving – and Nottingham’s big-hearted hackney cab drivers are donating £2,750 to the children’s ward at the city’s Queen’s Medical Centre (QMC) tomorrow (Wednesday December 20).

More than 500 licensed hackney carriage drivers – who are represented in a branch of Unite – have come together for the first time to donate money to the hospital’s Big Appeal for highly specialised diagnostic equipment that accurately identifies illness and disease at an earlier stage.

“Our drivers are local people and we are proud to serve our city,” said Unite branch secretary Kaleem Ashraf.

“This time of year is about giving, doing our bit and showing that Nottingham is together. It’s a new initiative from the branch.

“Hackney cabs are a vital part of the city’s economy both day and night – keeping the city moving 24/7. Now Nottingham’s hackney carriage drivers in association with Unite have decided they would like to give a little back to their local community.

“The cabbies are committed to making further contributions to other local charities in the future, while working closely in conjunction with  the city council, as to the best way to direct any fund raising,” he added.

Unite branch chairman Basheer Latif echoed Ashraf’s sentiments. “We all love Nottingham, and we all want what’s best for this city,” Latif said.

“Nottingham remains an inclusive place where all types of people and businesses can continue to prosper in the years to come. It is always nice to put something back and especially at this special time of year.

“Not everyone will be fortunate enough to spend time at home with their family and this is just something we wanted to do to make life a little easier for others,” concluded Latif.

Nottingham currently has 411 hackney cabs and over 500 drivers in the city. The cheque will be presented at the QMC tomorrow at 2.30 pm.