Barbara believed that it must be possible to run a booking service for taxis which is both profitable and charitable. She felt that if the drivers came together and joined a single platform (even if still using others), that a solution could be found which benefits the whole taxi community. She wanted an app, that was run by the trade, for the good of all and not just for corporate profit. Looking at the current platforms available it became clear that we would need to do this ourselves.

We began researching ways in which we could benefit the whole taxi community, drivers, customers, and others associated with the trade, for example the wonderful charities that many taxi drivers support. As you can imagine there was a lot of work undertaken during the early phases of this project. Barbara often spoke about how getting the trade to act together would work. From these conversations an idea started to become a reality and the name Unify London Taxis was born. We set about putting in place a package that would satisfy all parties. Making a platform that operates fairly, within TfL pricing structures, with profits going to registered taxi charities. After several months of meetings with developers and graphic designers, things started to take shape and a platform started to emerge. We could see our dream becoming a reality even though we still had a long way to go and a lot of work to do. Then came the devastating news.

Barbara had developed stage 4 breast cancer, bringing a halt to the venture whilst she underwent chemotherapy treatment. She was determined that this would not prevent her volunteering to help the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans for as long as she was able. Sadly, my wife’s condition deteriorated, becoming terminal, and we were faced with a short bleak future. Determined to carry on as normal as possible, Barbara continued to help “her veterans”, even accompanying them on a four-day tour of Normandy. The D-Day commemorative events in June each year are very important to the veterans, and she was adamant she was going to help, even though she was very ill herself. Over the following weeks her health deteriorated rapidly, and we faced many heart-rending difficult conversations. Although my world was falling apart, she wanted to talk about the app. She held my arms and said, “Make it work Micky, make it work”. That night Barbara passed peacefully, while sleeping in my arms.

This resulted in me becoming absolutely determined to complete the project which we had so lovingly started together, and I have thrown myself into making this project a reality and a loving legacy in her name.

This app was funded and made possible with a legacy left to me by my late wife, Barbara. You can help this legacy become a reality and join Barbara in helping to make London’s Taxi service beneficial to the whole community.

Even though Barbara was herself very unwell she always insisted on helping others.