War Hero Receives Coveted National Lottery Award On Behalf Of The London Taxi Benevolent Association

The London Taxi Benevolent Association for War Disabled Charity celebrated their recognition as the nation’s Best Voluntary project by picking up a coveted National Lottery Award on TV in front of a star-studded audience…

Staff and volunteers from the initiative were joined on the red carpet by celebrities such as John Barrowman, Kimberly Wyatt, Ralf Little, Rav Wilding, Katie Derham and many of Team GB’s National Lottery funded Olympic heroes as they accepted their honour.

Millions of TV viewers saw the project recognised for their inspirational work helping veterans and the war disabled, in their homes and hospitals, throughout London and the home counties, by providing entertainment, outings and much needed specialised equipment.

A short film featuring a visit from Katie Derham, who presented them with their award, was also shown on the programme, The National Lottery Stars 2016.

Fred Glover, who is a 90-year-old WWII veteran and who recently undertook two parachute jumps to raise money for the Taxi Charity, and who was at the award show said: "I’m over the moon that this magnificent charity has won a National Lottery award! The cab drivers and committee members are all volunteers. They look after us so well on our trips and outings. I’m proud to be associated with them."

John Barrowman, who was presenting the show for the seventh year, added: “The National Lottery Awards celebrate the UK’s favorite Lottery-funded projects as voted for by the public. They recognize the legends behind these amazing organizations – ordinary people who do extraordinary things with National Lottery funding.

“We have had a golden summer in 2016 with the success of Team GB. It is fitting that we carry on the celebrations by honoring other people and projects who are making a life-changing impact with National Lottery funding throughout the UK. This year’s winners have raised the bar, yet again, and National Lottery players can be very proud to have contributed towards their fine work.”

There are seven categories in the National Lottery Awards, reflecting the main areas of Lottery funding: arts, education, environment, health, heritage, sport, and voluntary/charity.

The London Taxi Benevolent Association for War Disabled Charity beat off six other challengers in a public vote to win the Best Voluntary Project. It received a £3,000 cash prize to spend on the project as well as a coveted National Lottery Awards trophy.