WHAT a story emerged this week in the shape of a humble Glasgow Taxi appearing in the latest book from the family of the legendary late Captain Sir Tom Moore.
Let me explain!
To do that we need to rewind more than 18 months and those troubling days at the very start of the pandemic.
Feels like a lifetime ago, I know, but I’m sure many like me can remember the total panic as the world around us seemed to very quickly fall apart.
What helped soften the blow were those acts of human kindness which soon followed, evident in Glasgow as much as anywhere.
Glasgow Taxis: We’re still here and ready to support city
One shining example of this was my fellow driver, Robert Malcolm, who took it upon himself to offer free transport to NHS staff.
You might remember this story from March last year – as it featured in these very pages.
Of course, many other kind souls got in on the act with a variety of gestures to help people at that and later stages.
Life – unusual though it was – quickly moved on and oor Robert thought little more of his gesture, I’m sure. Until this week … when the very man got the surprise of his life when he saw his name and a cartoon picture on the pages of One Hundred Reasons To Hope, the latest book released by the family of Captain Sir Tom Moore.
If you are unfamiliar with the book, here’s the official blurb: “The book was published on September 16, with £1 from each hardback sale in the UK and Ireland being donated to The Captain Tom Foundation. The book features well-known stories from the pandemic such as Joe Wicks’s family workouts, as well as those of everyday heroes, including dancing binmen and fancy-dress postal workers, who brought joy to their neighbourhoods during the pandemic.”
Anyway, what a lovely thing for Robert to be able to keep forever. And a timely reminder that the Glasgow taxi trade dug deep for people when they needed it most.
The world seems crazy right now – especially in Glasgow as COP26 looms – with all sectors struggling to staff up and maintain normal levels of service. The Glasgow taxi trade is no different in having such challenges right now – but next time you are frustrated waiting or queueing for a cab just remember Robert’s story, and that we are all pretty much cut from the same cloth. Stay safe!
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