Shooters Hill WW2 veteran fundraising for charity run by London cabbies

Geoffrey Pattinson, 92, who served in the 9th Parachute Battalion, regularly collects for the London Taxi Benevolent Association for War Disabled, a charity run by London cab drivers who take injured ex-soldiers on trips.

Mr Pattinson was awarded the Legion d’Honneur, the highest decoration in France, for his part in the liberation of the country.

He said: “I’ve been taken on trips and involved with the Taxi Charity for about three years now and I can’t speak too highly of the charity.

“The drivers I’ve had can’t do enough for you, and are always most helpful and courteous, always ensure we are comfortable and for example have bottles of water.”

Geoffrey Pattinson is a 92-year-old WW2 veteran.

The charity have reached the finals of the National Lottery Awards and are appealing for public votes to win £3000 to spend on their work.

They are run almost entirely by current or retired cabbies and are active throughout the year.

They received funding from the National Lottery last year to take 120 WWII veterans and their spouses on a five day trip to Holland to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the country’s liberation.

Mr Pattinson and other fundraisers on a recent trip to Normandy.

Dick Goodwin, event organizer for the charity, added: “I’m absolutely delighted that we’ve reached the finals of the National Lottery Awards.

“It’s really easy to vote, so we’re hoping that people will get behind us.

“It would be a fantastic reward for everyone involved in the project as well as recognition for the veterans – for them to know the public care about them, remember and respect what they went through.”

To vote for the London Taxi Benevolent Association for War Disabled, please visit the Lottery Good Causes website, or call 0844 836 9712.

Voting is open now and runs until midnight on Wednesday 20 July.