United Taxis gives local charity a lift

Bournemouth’s biggest taxi operator, United, has gifted 20 VIP Poole Speedway tickets (each including a two-course dinner), which will be raffled at the Ball at the Highcliff Marriott on 2 November.

Chris Culleton, a director for United Taxis, said, “Macmillan Caring Locally is a valued customer of ours and we wanted to show our appreciation. I think most of us know of someone who has been helped by the charity and its outstanding palliative care unit in Christchurch over the years. Their work is invaluable and I know all our drivers want to do what they can to help.”

As well as donating prizes and serving as an event sponsor for the ball, United is also displaying Macmillan Caring Locally collection tins in its offices and encouraging its 600-plus drivers to put the charity’s new Brick by Brick appeal stickers in their cars.

More than 1,600 patients with life-limiting illnesses are supported by the Macmillan Caring Locally palliative care unit each year and its volunteers carry out a multitude of services from patient transport and fundraising to end of life care and respite visits.
The charity, which is not to be confused with the national Macmillan charity, has launched their Brick by Brick appeal in a bid to replace the outdated 44-year-old unit, with a larger and much better equipped facility. However, they still need to raise the remaining estimated £5m in order to complete the project.

Macmillan Caring Locally community and event fundraiser, Barry Wilson, said “We are immensely grateful to Chris and the rest of the team at United Taxis for their support. The first Diamond & Ice Charity Ball was a sell out last year and will raise much needed funds for the Brick by Brick appeal via the ball organizer, the Second Smile Project. I’m sure the VIP speedway tickets will prove very popular.”

He added, “Like us, United Taxis is committed to serving its community and it’s great to know their 320 friendly drivers will also be out there spreading the word about our campaign.”

Gareth Gates will be back to entertain everyone at the Diamond & Ice Charity Ball.