Our Digital Lead Bill Simmons is currently driving Betty, a London taxi cab, with two other friends to North Africa to tick off a bucket list dream and raise money for Ukraine.
The two week trip was originally delayed due to COVID, but following the easing of restrictions it has been able to take place this summer. The three friends, alongside another friend, have co-owned the taxi for the past two years. Their trip marks the end of this shared adventure as North Africa becomes the taxi’s new home.
Following the developments of the war in Ukraine, the group saw their trip as an opportunity to focus the attention on a real issue and raise awareness and money for those affected by the war.
The group are raising money for DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. DEC charities and their local partners are working to meet the immediate needs of all people fleeing Ukraine with food, water, medical assistance, protection and trauma care. All of the donation money goes to DEC as the trip itself is being paid for by the group themselves (but it you choose to allow it, some of your donation will help Just Giving’s operational costs).
The group set out to travel through France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Andorra, Spain, Portugal, Ceuta, and Gibraltar. Plans changed slightly after Betty broke down just outside Turino after crossing the Alps. However, after having to re-plan slightly whilst waiting for a part to be delivered from the UK, Bill and his friends were able to get back on the road and continue their trip.
The group will be flying back to the UK on the 18th June, leaving Betty to settle into her new home in Africa.
If you’d like to donate to DEC Ukraine Humanitarian appeal, visit the group’s Just Giving page.
Follow the journey on Instagram: @blackcabroadtrip