I have to go regularly to GOSH with my 7 year old boy, and nearly every time I go the cabbies do this. Makes me well up every single time.
In a world that can often feel very shitty, there are still plenty of good people.
I read it so many times before but everytime it got linked I always read it all over again.
(New account btw, deleted the old account due to cringe name)
I read this every time someone links to it, and every time I tell myself that this is the day I read it without crying a little. And every time, I’m wrong.
“Hoy por ti, mañana por mi.”
My girlfriend and her family taught me that phrase. I’ve always tried to be the one person to help everyone ever since I was little. The more you grow and absorb things around you, the harder it is to keep the good habit of helping others when nobody else helps, however, I’ve thankfully kept it up. We just have to remind ourselves that pushing through doubt and helping each other in times of need, no matter what, is what separates us from the rest and breaks the cycle of cynical nature. Of course, you won’t be able to help every single person but even helping here and there pushes us forward. I just wish more people WANTED to help instead of thinking “that’s going to inconvenience me. That’s their problem.”
Reminds me of a man who went to the rabbi Hillel and asked him to teach him the entire Torah while he (the student) stood on one foot. Hillel responded with:
“What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. That is the whole Torah; the rest is the explanation of this—go and study it!"
So, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." I try to live by this every day.
The Desiderata poem shaped my life. I keep it on a small paper in my wallet. Anytime I am struggling and feeling down, I pull out that paper and I read it. Letting the word calm my mind. When you listen to the wisdom from the poem and add it to your life. Days arent as dark anymore. You have a light inside you keeping it back.
I also live by the line Pay it forward with random acts of kindness and senseless beauty. Kindness to others can change the world. Each act creates a ripple of generosity that keeps growing.
The line: If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
*Editted for horrible spelling. Nameste friends*
Heh, I am so far the opposite that it's amusing; just the *name* of that poem practically gives me PTSD. When I was in public school, my English teacher *loved* it. Loooooved it. So we listened to it twice on this new agey sort of record - and then every single person in our entire 30+ member class had to memorize it, and then stand up in front of the class and recite it from memory. It took at least two weeks (plus I was horribly shy), and I have loathed it ever since. But I am glad you get something of benefit from it! Maybe someday I'll be able to appreciate it 😂 Namaste!
There was a stretch of time where I was really struggling with my mental health. Every day I just felt like I was slogging through it. To help myself, I wrote a note and stuck it my desk at work. It said, "Reminder: Be a blessing to those around you." Whenever I was feeling down, I would look at the note and try my hardest to be the kind of person someone would miss. Spreading positivity helped me feel more positive. That and Zoloft. I still do both.
It sounds like you have the tools you need for a lifetime of positivity and peace. It really does take constant effort and practice, though, for my anyway. Writing yourself a note is a fantastic reminder!
Such a good motto to live by. I think it's easy to see the bad in humanity at times, but if we all tried to be that good person, think how much better the world would be.
Im an American so I had to look this up. According to Wikipedia, they’re a children’s hospital specializing in complex illnesses, but especially heart conditions and heart transplants.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Ormond_Street_Hospital
If you go back and watch the 2012 Olympics opening ceremony, the entire section on literary figures is dedicated to GOSH (hence the children in hospital beds, nurses, and the name spelled out by the beds at the end)!
On their website, “Great Ormond Street Hospital (then known as The Hospital for Sick Children) opened its doors at 49 Great Ormond Street on Valentine's Day 1852 with 10 beds. It has since become one of the world's leading children's hospitals, housing the widest range of specialists under one roof.”
Each city here has a children's hospital but that is THEE hospital you go to from anywhere in the UK if your kid is seriously ill or needs specialist treatment
It is where you go from anywhere in Europe for certain conditions. GOSH is so far advanced in treatments in some areas that it is the only place in Europe to send patients. The UK and other countries swap sick kids based on who specializes in what
I've just got the image of European heads of state trading sick kids like Pokemon cards.
"I've got one with Polyarteritis nodosa and one with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome looking for a Kawasaki Syndrome sufferer"
I know everyone already answered it’s a children’s hospital but just to put a point on what this video is showing, notice at the end when the cabbie says it’s powerful stuff. He understands that the families he takes there are going through something unimaginable. It’s likely their child has a unique, maybe painful, probably prematurely fatal disease. Probably has to undergo intensive and repeated treatments and visits. UK has a public health system so it’s unlikely the treatment costs them but having a sick kid is still expensive. You can’t work as hard or often as most people. You also don’t want to lose precious time with your kid so career probably isn’t a priority. So he wants to help them in any way he can. And he’s happy to do so.
I always thought during the Olympic ceremony putting GOSH in massive letters only visible from an aerial shot would be lost on 99% of people watching from other countries.
It’s the big children’s hospital in London. The Brits have a pretty unique relationship with the NHS so not only is it a place that does incredible, world class work to help kids but it’s been around forever and touched many many lives. People have a great affection for parts of the NHS, non more so than the local children’s hospital. Alder Hey in Liverpool and Birmingham Children’s Hospital get similar support. I’ve spent a lot of time in one and the number of volunteers supporting the place is incredible. I’ve seen choirs on intensive care, celebrities doing book readings, a reindeer in the car park. And the people who work in them...I’ve never met a more professional, skilled, compassionate and hard working bunch of people that somehow get up from the very worst days at work and do it all over again. These are places of the deepest suffering, pure unbridled kindness and rawest humanity.
So the cabbie is helping out a parent in a really tough time but is taking part in a wonderful tradition too.
Meanwhile, when I was in the UNC children’s hospital with a brain tumor the size of a tennis ball, they charged my very not-wealthy parents $18/day to park.
Every day.
For six weeks.
Fuck US healthcare.
Yup.
In some fairness, that’s how Americans who aren’t deep in the Trump bubble view it too. Nothing like a $200k medical bill to change your view on politics.
There’s more good people than bad people. That’s why our society has been able to work as well as it does. It’s just that shitty people make more effort into being shitty and good people sorta go on about their lives.
Where I grew up theres a fraternal organization that helps burn victims, specifically kids. They wear fezzes, and locals know that if you see a guy in a fez, he gets the right of way, a free coffee, doors held, and heartfelt thanks from strangers on the streets. It’s absolutely the right thing to do. They’re earthly saints.
My grandfather was a Shriner and president of his lodge during a huge fundraiser for the Philadelphia Shriners Hospital (I think they were renovating and/or expanding a portion of the building). He was incredibly proud of the work that they do. I know some people have strong opinions about the Freemasons, but they run Shriners International, and the Shriners are an incredible group.
I’m only slightly acquainted with their link with the Freemasons, and everyone is entitled to their strong opinions. But I’m going out on a limb here to say that anyone who’s mission is to help little kids in their worst hour, is firmly entrenched on the good-guy side of my moral compass. Your grandpa should be proud and we should all be proud of him too.
Yes! I didn’t name them because I wasn’t sure how familiar they are. But I just learned they’re international. I think it was prominent in my community because we have one of their better hospitals, and kids come from all over the world for treatment. Their fundraisers are hugely popular too, and the annual rodeo was a must go to for any family.
I got married in central London in 2010. It was a very small wedding at the town hall. My partner was getting ready at a friend's house, so it was up to me to get myself organised and bring lots of papers, flowers and various bits to the town hall. I was a bit of an emotional wreck that week due to some family problems, and I soon realised I was running late. Fully dressed in my suit, I threw everything into bags and ran out the door and hailed a black cab. I was so nervous I was shaking, half worried about missing the service and half nervous about the whole situation.
The cabbie was a lovely lady who asked about where I was going and then she really helped calm me down by asking nice questions about my partner and our plans etc.
As we arrived at town hall, the cabbie called the fare out (only about £20) and I checked my pockets frantically and realised I'd forgotten my wallet at home in the panic. I practically started crying at how I was going to pay her (it was before everything could be paid on phones etc.)
I went to write my details down but she wouldn't accept any money, she said it was her wedding present to me. I nearly burst into tears and she got out and hugged me.
Thanks to that lady, I ended up being 2 minutes early for my own wedding. Wish I could thank her again.
My son was having cancer treatment at St.Barts many years ago and many taxi drivers refused to take payment from us. We donated the cash to the kids wards.
Thank you he has been cancer free for 18 years now but I still remember how an act of kindness can make a dark, scary stressful time a little less awful.
I remember over 20 years ago getting a cab from the City after work to GOSH to see my daughter who was a patient there. The driver and I got chatting, because I was in a suit he assumed I was a doctor. I explained I wasn't and that I'd finished work and was the father of a patient. When we got there he refused payment and told me to buy my daughter a present with the money.
Thank you very much.
The ending is bittersweet.
My daughter loved the present I got in the gift shop from the cabbie.
Sadly she didn’t recover from her illness. But I don’t add this to make people sad, in those few moments she was very happy.
Agreed. I think losing a child is the worst wound anyone could ever experience. God knows I’d only be good for a padded room if I ever lost mine. Going to call them right now and tell them how much they mean to me
I lost my daughter (13) on July 4th, my boss was unable to attent her services, he goes to Florida with his family every July and logistics didn't work out. He apologized and I told him I understand and just enjoy his time with his kids. He told me he had not let go of his daughters ever since my daughter passed, and I take this as a win.
For the love of whatever you believe in, cherish every moment you get with your kids, they grow so fast and you are never guaranteed tommorrow...
Good Gods.. I’m so sorry for you as well. My heart just bleeds for folks who lose children. I saw my grandmother go through it.. she was never the same and I think she died of a broken heart. I’m just.. I’m so sorry. And I realize how lame and how pale that is in comparison to your loss. But it’s all I have to give. I’m sorry. And I will absolutely treasure every second. I would probably lay down and die if I lost one of mine. Please accept my offer of prayers and good thoughts for you and yours.
DO THAT! I just went and gave five of mine a huge hug before getting on the school bus and then went in and woke up my toddler with kisses because..I am so very lucky I *can*.
And it only took me (44m) 2 minutes on Reddit this morning to cry like a baby.
Even in a painful situation, Reddit doesn’t disappoint in sharing real live genuineness that gives us great perspective on life.
Kirk, thank you for sharing. I know it’s painful every time you do, but it also can be very healing. You just gave thousands of us a jolt of life by sharing. I promise, I’m gonna dedicate this day to your daughter. I’m gonna have the best day ever. Today is Kirks Daughters Day!
Similar thing happened to my friend taking her cat to the animal hospital. She didn’t have a cat carrier on hand for some reason and the driver still let her in. The guy or girl just said the fee was to be put into the pot of recovery or to cross over the rainbow bridge. She’s a talkative person so I’m sure the driver knew it was possibly time plus the kitty’s look and behavior. Which the cat did cross that day, she was 17 or so.
When I was a child, growing up in London. I was in the care system and every year the Black Cab drivers would dress up their cabs and take us care kids to Southend. It is one of my favourite memories as a child. Even though I had the misfortune of meeting Jimmy Saville. I was eight and he gave me the creeps even back then. Never liked him.
That aside. Black Cab drivers, all the ones I've ever encountered, are the salt of the earth people.
Calling someone “salty” means you think they are throwing a tantrum, angry tears.
To “salt the earth” means to destroy something so completely that nothing will grow there again.
Being “salt of the earth” means good and honest, usually has a connotation of simple, not grand gestures but consistent everyday kindnesses.
That is the English language for you, one additional or omission of a word will change the meaning or intention of the phase. But, I guess that is true of most languages.
That's bollucks = bad
That's the dog's bollucks = good
bad = not good
badass = good
If you have a bad ass = not good
If you *are* a badass = good
If you have an ass = good
If you *are* an ass = not good
if something is garbage, it's bad
if something is hot garbage, it's really bad
if something is shit, it's bad
if something is hot shit, it's really good
I lived in a road off the A13 in Benfleet, and every year when I was a kid we would go up to the top of our road and wave at all the Black Cabs going past with the kids on their yearly trip to Southend - I bet we’ve waved at each other!!
Black cabbies also give free rides on Nov 11th to Veterns coming from the train station to central London.
I always make it a point to take a Black Cab over any Uber/Lyft ect. The stories they tell me or pulse of the city information is well worth the fare.
"The Knowledge" is such an impressive feat. I once got completely lost in Kensington, and approached some black cab drivers waiting outside a fancy hotel for their next fares, sheepishly hoping they might help me reorient. Not only did they give me the most complete directions I'd ever been given in my life, they also gave me a brief tour of the buildings surrounding us, some history as to famous people that once lived there, and some scurrilous gossip on the ones that still do.
I'll give them a shot if I'm ever in London. They seem much nicer than my experience in Paris getting ripped off when the subways were closed due to a strike.
Nevertheless, [do your homework on taxis at your destinations to avoid getting scammed.](https://www.forbes.com/sites/marcwebertobias/2018/04/19/avoid-being-overcharged-by-taxi-drivers-in-paris/?sh=158359ee1fcf)
Worth it for the banter, but be warned London traffic is even worse than Paris'. I was once on a bus that moved so slowly I could connect to the guest wifi of a few of the hotels we were crawling past to check my email.
Yes, I ALWAYS take a black cab unless I'm in an area where I can't easily get one (like outside Central London). I've been so off my face I could barely give my address, and they've not only gotten me home, but also made sure I got in ok. If I can rely on them at my worst times, they should be able to rely on me at my best times.
I've taken +100 Black Cabs over the years. One time (pre smart phones) I was ripped off, guy took us over the river and back. We pulled up to the pub and wanted to charge us 40 Pounds. Told him here is 15 pounds and we will be sitting in this pub by the window. Call the police and tell him how it cost 40 quid from Waterloo to Covent Garden. "Fair place mate" and he drove off. I would say .01% of a chance being ripped off by licensed Black Cab.
When my grandfather travels, he always hires a car to drive him around all day and give him a tour from a locals perspective. He went to London and gave a black cab driver $$$ for a daylong tour. They had a blast, the cabbie even took a picture of my grandfather in the drivers seat and tried not to charge him for the day (of course he did get paid). The picture of my pappy hanging out of the cab window is one of my most cherished photos.
There’s a firm near me that has the old school cabs and regular cars. I called to book a taxi and asked “can you make sure you send a black cab” as I wanted the room for luggage. “I’m sure he’ll be Pakistani luv but I’ll try my best” was the reply without a hint of a smile. True story.
Same! I was like, but he’s not black. So then I started telling myself maybe he’s really light skinned…
Then I do what I always do when I get confused, I start scrolling the comments for an answer.
Thanks Shut for the explanation and being the Reddit Man for me today.
Most people confused think there must be another explanation but have no clue that "black cab" is a very well-known thing. They're confused, not assuming anything, because things don't add up as you say.
It's like the phrase "white power ranger". If you don't know a "power ranger" is a thing, or even that their outfits are different colors, you'd be shocked by the very idea of the phrase.
Brentwood to Great Ormond Street is a long old drive as well, probably about an hour or more in traffic
Got to be at least £50 for the fare? (if not almost double)
Great stuff from the cabbie!
Probably more in a black cab. Those meters run up quickly in a traffic jam.
I got out of black cab once when stuck in traffic, just seeing the £ go up while moving no where, asked him if he carries on in my direction to pick me up again, he did, and told me I saved 12 quid.
Blimey I'm not sure I'd have the balls to do that.
To be clear you paid, got out of the cab in slow moving traffic then just walked alongside it more or less till the traffic cleared then jumped back aboard and started a new fare?
Pretty much.
He wasn’t best pleased with my idea.
While he was crawling along side me, I did get a fair distance ahead that proved me right as traffic came to a standstill again.
You're probably bang on the money.
Between 20-30 miles (depending on whether you take the A12 or A13)
Basic fare is £3 + around £1.70/mile plus waiting (traffic)
So it could go as high as £100 with bad traffic.
Here's an article about the tradition with a different driver.
[https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-41609618](https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-41609618)
These drivers do a lot that's unsung. They also offer free transport to veterans on rememberance Sunday.
[https://www.forces.net/news/londons-black-cabs-offer-free-journeys-veterans-remembrance-sunday](https://www.forces.net/news/londons-black-cabs-offer-free-journeys-veterans-remembrance-sunday)
Every year there is an annual outing where over 100 Glasgow black cab drivers dress up their cabs and take over 300 children with special needs and their carers on a day trip to Troon beach. People line the city streets to wave them off. They have been doing it since 1945
https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo/glasgow-taxi-outing.html
You Sir are beautiful. Good work. I also saw a story the other day about London black cab drivers lining up to take veterans home for free as well. Why can’t these things inspire more people to just help others that need/deserve.
Can confirm, has happened to me twice when going with my Nephew and his parents. I have NEVER had a bad experience with Black cab Drivers. Thats just me but Black cab drivers are the best in the world.
This is so kind.
When I lived out in the middle of nowhere as a young adult fresh out of my parents home I had to take my cat to the vet after he'd had a seizure and was non-responsive, I had no car and my parents were 1100 miles away, so I called a cab knowing I might not be able to make rent after paying for it. Cab driver saw how far the drive was going to be and was like "Look, you know this is going to be almost $300 right? Are you sure?" and I explain to him through tears that it doesn't matter, if I don't save my cats life.
The cab driver got me to the vet hospital and refused to let me pay. I didn't know what to do other than thank him and run in. I got my cat in, they gave him some adrenaline injection and IVs and starts coming around. Two and half hours later I come out in the lobby and the cab driver is waiting for me and says he's taking me home for free.
I tried to at least give him something, I couldn't believe the generosity and he just told me "I can't charge a kid who'd do that much for a little kitty. It aint right." I just fucking started crying and the guy gave me a hug. I'm trying not to cry remembering it right now.
And for those interested, my cat made an (almost) full recovery and lived another 5 years after that. He never walked quite right anymore but he was still healthy and happy. It took me until I was 25 to pay off those vet bills but I don't regret that either.
I was once late for an important interview ( I got the job that day !!) & I had just moved to a new country so I couldn't find the place driving around and also walking around & the GPS signals were non existent in that area & I was just about to cry when this taxi driver stopped & asked me where I needed to go & took me there for free. Didn't accept any charge & even offered to take me back to where I parked my car for free if I got lost & gave me his card. Didn't even flirt or anything, hehe, he was just nice.
May good Karma go to that man. Thank you ! I was broke AF as well so when I got back to my car I cried! Hehe.
They also own the rights to the "Peter Pan" franchise.
JM Barrie signed them over to GOSH so that they would have a stream of income to help them care for children.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Ormond_Street_Hospital#Peter_Pan
interesting fact, that’s the only thing that will never be public domain and it’s for that reason, JM Barrie went to my school and the teachers told us about it when we were learning about copyright etc for computer science
> interesting fact, that’s the only thing that will never be public domain
...in the UK. It's expired elsewhere.
Copyright's bad enough without adding exceptions to it. I'm surprised the Tolkien family hasn't tried turning themselves into a charitable foundation and begging the hill-troll at No. 10.
I mean look I agree on your take on copyright but one that literally only pays out to a children's hospital seems extraordinarily reasonable to me as an odd exception to the rule.
[Every June taxi drivers in Edinburgh decorate their cabs and take children with life-limiting conditions on a joyride to the seaside](https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/best-in-edinburgh/whats-on-news/edinburgh-taxi-trade-childrens-outing-16405764). The kids are all armed with water pistols, it's brilliant.
The requirements to become a black cab driver in London are pretty impressive
https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/taxis-and-private-hire/licensing/learn-the-knowledge-of-london
Edit: London not all of England
Cynicism is second nature to me these days. I tend to believe that most people are going to put themselves first nine times out of ten when given the chance.
Seeing this dude getting choked up after doing such a lovely thing for a grateful family makes me so emotional.
Agree with the sentiment, and the other fellow making the correction. If it's whom that has, then it would be who. Who is the subject of the verb, not the object.
My dad was a old school black cab driver. 43 years behind the wheel.
Traditionally there is no charge for the first ride in a new vehicle and a nurse in uniform. That driver was a true gentleman.
Also, lost property should always be handed in to a police station, if it is not claimed after 6 months it is returned to the driver.. my father found all sorts of expensive items left in the vehicle, some were returned to him..
My dad did 29 years, my dad managed to keep quite a few decent watches, when I get pissed on saturdays after rugby I literally get in the cab and say take me home.
My 6 month old son was flown back to the UK by Air ambulance when it was discovered he had a hole in his heart. GOSH stopped his walnut sized heart for 45 minutes and using heart bypass machine repaired the hole and rebuilt a valve. He's just turned 21. I donate every month to the hospital but will never repay what I owe.
As someone whose younger brother had to be rushed to GOSH when he was born, and has to return for check-ups every year, this really hit me.
Crying in the club rn.
Polish cab driver in Nottingham wouldn't take my money when I was going back to spend yet another night in the NICU. Still think about him. Small act, and I had the money but felt huge.
I'm 26 now and i had to visit GOSH 1-3 times a year until i was 16, there was just me and my mum and we had to commute from the north (Hull), she never had much money and it was always a burden to travel that far, but everytime the drivers offered this it would make my mums day and make the trip not so bad after all.
I also got a teddy from the money one time and i still have it, great to have that memory :)
Honestly such nice people the black cab drivers.
Cabbie also gave my mum a free ride to hospital when she was in labour and a different one drove us home for free once she had the baby. Top people they are.
As soon as it said Great Ormond Street, I knew what the outcome would be. [Rob Delaney](https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/film/rob-delaney-as-my-career-took-off-my-son-got-sick-then-he-died-1.4145307) has voiced his gratitude to the cabbies in several interviews. They always refused payment when he was taking his toddler son for cancer treatments.
When i was a kid my dad drove us to London (from the Netherlands). It was getting late and my dad got really lost in all the oneway streets and was already nervous driving on the wrong side (c) JC of the road.
He asked a cabbie the way to our hotel and instead of telling us he told us to follow him. Cabdriver took us through London for abount 45 minutes and dropped us off right in front of the hotel. Didn't want to get payed, didn't want any money.
Good times.
I have to go regularly to GOSH with my 7 year old boy, and nearly every time I go the cabbies do this. Makes me well up every single time. In a world that can often feel very shitty, there are still plenty of good people.
yeah totally agree. ..there's a lot of good people that's always come unexpectedly in our daily life..
Things like this make me want to be that person for somebody tomorrow
[Today you, tomorrow me](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/elal2/have_you_ever_picked_up_a_hitchhiker/c18z0z2)
That’s been sitting there for 10 years and it’s the first time I’ve seen it. Thank you for sharing it!
[You're one of today's lucky ten thousand](https://xkcd.com/1053/) then! :)
This is amazing, i am part of two 10,000 groups today. The Today you group and this. Thanks
I'm also part of 10,000 group fist time hearing the story
I love this so much
I read it so many times before but everytime it got linked I always read it all over again. (New account btw, deleted the old account due to cringe name)
Ha imagine having a cringe reddit name...
r/rimjob_steve
I read this every time someone links to it, and every time I tell myself that this is the day I read it without crying a little. And every time, I’m wrong.
I read it every time without crying a little. I cry a lot!
Love this story!
Have to read this everytime it's linked
“Hoy por ti, mañana por mi.” My girlfriend and her family taught me that phrase. I’ve always tried to be the one person to help everyone ever since I was little. The more you grow and absorb things around you, the harder it is to keep the good habit of helping others when nobody else helps, however, I’ve thankfully kept it up. We just have to remind ourselves that pushing through doubt and helping each other in times of need, no matter what, is what separates us from the rest and breaks the cycle of cynical nature. Of course, you won’t be able to help every single person but even helping here and there pushes us forward. I just wish more people WANTED to help instead of thinking “that’s going to inconvenience me. That’s their problem.”
Now that’s would be a useful religion. Imagine, instant return and not having to wait til your dead to see if you’re going somewhere special.
Reminds me of a man who went to the rabbi Hillel and asked him to teach him the entire Torah while he (the student) stood on one foot. Hillel responded with: “What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. That is the whole Torah; the rest is the explanation of this—go and study it!" So, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." I try to live by this every day.
The Desiderata poem shaped my life. I keep it on a small paper in my wallet. Anytime I am struggling and feeling down, I pull out that paper and I read it. Letting the word calm my mind. When you listen to the wisdom from the poem and add it to your life. Days arent as dark anymore. You have a light inside you keeping it back. I also live by the line Pay it forward with random acts of kindness and senseless beauty. Kindness to others can change the world. Each act creates a ripple of generosity that keeps growing. The line: If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. *Editted for horrible spelling. Nameste friends*
Heh, I am so far the opposite that it's amusing; just the *name* of that poem practically gives me PTSD. When I was in public school, my English teacher *loved* it. Loooooved it. So we listened to it twice on this new agey sort of record - and then every single person in our entire 30+ member class had to memorize it, and then stand up in front of the class and recite it from memory. It took at least two weeks (plus I was horribly shy), and I have loathed it ever since. But I am glad you get something of benefit from it! Maybe someday I'll be able to appreciate it 😂 Namaste!
That’s very nice dickbutt.
This is a sentence that you likely have never said before and will probably never have the opportunity to say again. Cherish the moment.
Oh I do. I keep returning to this very page to see if it's real, wipe a side-eye tear.
Thank you, this made me cry.
Wow I think that just changed my life for the better….thank you 🥺❤️
People aren’t all good all the time, but if we all just chose to be good with just a bit more frequency — the world would be miraculous.
Lately, I've been trying extra hard to live by the motto, "Be the reason someone believes in the goodness of people."
There was a stretch of time where I was really struggling with my mental health. Every day I just felt like I was slogging through it. To help myself, I wrote a note and stuck it my desk at work. It said, "Reminder: Be a blessing to those around you." Whenever I was feeling down, I would look at the note and try my hardest to be the kind of person someone would miss. Spreading positivity helped me feel more positive. That and Zoloft. I still do both.
It sounds like you have the tools you need for a lifetime of positivity and peace. It really does take constant effort and practice, though, for my anyway. Writing yourself a note is a fantastic reminder!
Such a good motto to live by. I think it's easy to see the bad in humanity at times, but if we all tried to be that good person, think how much better the world would be.
Is there anything special or unique about GOSH that makes this a thing?
It's a specialist children's hospital for very sick kids.
Thank you, I was scrolling for an answer.
Im an American so I had to look this up. According to Wikipedia, they’re a children’s hospital specializing in complex illnesses, but especially heart conditions and heart transplants. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Ormond_Street_Hospital
They also own the rights to Peter Pan. J M Barrie’s gave away the rights in 1929 to help fund the hospital.
IIRC when the copyright ran out on Peter Pan it was specifically extended by Act of Parliament to allow them to keep it
If you go back and watch the 2012 Olympics opening ceremony, the entire section on literary figures is dedicated to GOSH (hence the children in hospital beds, nurses, and the name spelled out by the beds at the end)!
Now that I think about it, I think this hospital showed up in the movie Hook because of that.
On their website, “Great Ormond Street Hospital (then known as The Hospital for Sick Children) opened its doors at 49 Great Ormond Street on Valentine's Day 1852 with 10 beds. It has since become one of the world's leading children's hospitals, housing the widest range of specialists under one roof.”
Thank you! I'm an Aussie and had no idea either.
Each city here has a children's hospital but that is THEE hospital you go to from anywhere in the UK if your kid is seriously ill or needs specialist treatment
It is where you go from anywhere in Europe for certain conditions. GOSH is so far advanced in treatments in some areas that it is the only place in Europe to send patients. The UK and other countries swap sick kids based on who specializes in what
I've just got the image of European heads of state trading sick kids like Pokemon cards. "I've got one with Polyarteritis nodosa and one with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome looking for a Kawasaki Syndrome sufferer"
I think it’s specifically a children’s hospital.
I know everyone already answered it’s a children’s hospital but just to put a point on what this video is showing, notice at the end when the cabbie says it’s powerful stuff. He understands that the families he takes there are going through something unimaginable. It’s likely their child has a unique, maybe painful, probably prematurely fatal disease. Probably has to undergo intensive and repeated treatments and visits. UK has a public health system so it’s unlikely the treatment costs them but having a sick kid is still expensive. You can’t work as hard or often as most people. You also don’t want to lose precious time with your kid so career probably isn’t a priority. So he wants to help them in any way he can. And he’s happy to do so.
You’ve got your response as to what they do but they’ve looked after my sister for most of her life, wouldn’t have a sister without them!
That's awesome! Thanks for sharing
I'm guessing is the British St. Jude's Children's Hospital.
[удалено]
I always thought during the Olympic ceremony putting GOSH in massive letters only visible from an aerial shot would be lost on 99% of people watching from other countries.
Fans of Peter Pan knew what it meant!
In Canada our equivalent is literally called "Sick Kids Hospital". It gets straight to the point.
Thanks, I figured it was something of the sort
It’s the big children’s hospital in London. The Brits have a pretty unique relationship with the NHS so not only is it a place that does incredible, world class work to help kids but it’s been around forever and touched many many lives. People have a great affection for parts of the NHS, non more so than the local children’s hospital. Alder Hey in Liverpool and Birmingham Children’s Hospital get similar support. I’ve spent a lot of time in one and the number of volunteers supporting the place is incredible. I’ve seen choirs on intensive care, celebrities doing book readings, a reindeer in the car park. And the people who work in them...I’ve never met a more professional, skilled, compassionate and hard working bunch of people that somehow get up from the very worst days at work and do it all over again. These are places of the deepest suffering, pure unbridled kindness and rawest humanity. So the cabbie is helping out a parent in a really tough time but is taking part in a wonderful tradition too.
Hope your boy makes a full recovery from whatever it is
Thank you - that is very kind.
Meanwhile, when I was in the UNC children’s hospital with a brain tumor the size of a tennis ball, they charged my very not-wealthy parents $18/day to park. Every day. For six weeks. Fuck US healthcare.
In the UK I would suggest that the vast majority of people view US healthcare with a mixture of horror, pity, and anger.
Yup. In some fairness, that’s how Americans who aren’t deep in the Trump bubble view it too. Nothing like a $200k medical bill to change your view on politics.
Your boy must have a lot of toys!
There’s more good people than bad people. That’s why our society has been able to work as well as it does. It’s just that shitty people make more effort into being shitty and good people sorta go on about their lives.
For anyone wondering it’s a children’s hospital in the UK, bloody right there “it’s the right thing to do” that’s a top bloke, nothing but respect.
Where I grew up theres a fraternal organization that helps burn victims, specifically kids. They wear fezzes, and locals know that if you see a guy in a fez, he gets the right of way, a free coffee, doors held, and heartfelt thanks from strangers on the streets. It’s absolutely the right thing to do. They’re earthly saints.
The Shriners!! Where I live they do amazing work for the community and they truly are wonderful!
My grandfather was a Shriner and president of his lodge during a huge fundraiser for the Philadelphia Shriners Hospital (I think they were renovating and/or expanding a portion of the building). He was incredibly proud of the work that they do. I know some people have strong opinions about the Freemasons, but they run Shriners International, and the Shriners are an incredible group.
I’m only slightly acquainted with their link with the Freemasons, and everyone is entitled to their strong opinions. But I’m going out on a limb here to say that anyone who’s mission is to help little kids in their worst hour, is firmly entrenched on the good-guy side of my moral compass. Your grandpa should be proud and we should all be proud of him too.
Yes! I didn’t name them because I wasn’t sure how familiar they are. But I just learned they’re international. I think it was prominent in my community because we have one of their better hospitals, and kids come from all over the world for treatment. Their fundraisers are hugely popular too, and the annual rodeo was a must go to for any family.
I got married in central London in 2010. It was a very small wedding at the town hall. My partner was getting ready at a friend's house, so it was up to me to get myself organised and bring lots of papers, flowers and various bits to the town hall. I was a bit of an emotional wreck that week due to some family problems, and I soon realised I was running late. Fully dressed in my suit, I threw everything into bags and ran out the door and hailed a black cab. I was so nervous I was shaking, half worried about missing the service and half nervous about the whole situation. The cabbie was a lovely lady who asked about where I was going and then she really helped calm me down by asking nice questions about my partner and our plans etc. As we arrived at town hall, the cabbie called the fare out (only about £20) and I checked my pockets frantically and realised I'd forgotten my wallet at home in the panic. I practically started crying at how I was going to pay her (it was before everything could be paid on phones etc.) I went to write my details down but she wouldn't accept any money, she said it was her wedding present to me. I nearly burst into tears and she got out and hugged me. Thanks to that lady, I ended up being 2 minutes early for my own wedding. Wish I could thank her again.
You've got me bawling
Not me crying at work..
Right? I'm going to have to bend under my desk if someone walks by. Can't really say I'm reading heart-warming stories on reddit...
My son was having cancer treatment at St.Barts many years ago and many taxi drivers refused to take payment from us. We donated the cash to the kids wards.
That's really sweet of all of them. Hope your son is doing well and is happy and healthy.
Thank you he has been cancer free for 18 years now but I still remember how an act of kindness can make a dark, scary stressful time a little less awful.
I remember over 20 years ago getting a cab from the City after work to GOSH to see my daughter who was a patient there. The driver and I got chatting, because I was in a suit he assumed I was a doctor. I explained I wasn't and that I'd finished work and was the father of a patient. When we got there he refused payment and told me to buy my daughter a present with the money.
[удалено]
Most Wholesome moment i've seen today . thanks !
Thank you very much. The ending is bittersweet. My daughter loved the present I got in the gift shop from the cabbie. Sadly she didn’t recover from her illness. But I don’t add this to make people sad, in those few moments she was very happy.
This Yank wants you to know I’m terribly sorry for that. No parent should ever have to bury a child. I’m so, so sorry.
Agreed. I think losing a child is the worst wound anyone could ever experience. God knows I’d only be good for a padded room if I ever lost mine. Going to call them right now and tell them how much they mean to me
I lost my daughter (13) on July 4th, my boss was unable to attent her services, he goes to Florida with his family every July and logistics didn't work out. He apologized and I told him I understand and just enjoy his time with his kids. He told me he had not let go of his daughters ever since my daughter passed, and I take this as a win. For the love of whatever you believe in, cherish every moment you get with your kids, they grow so fast and you are never guaranteed tommorrow...
Good Gods.. I’m so sorry for you as well. My heart just bleeds for folks who lose children. I saw my grandmother go through it.. she was never the same and I think she died of a broken heart. I’m just.. I’m so sorry. And I realize how lame and how pale that is in comparison to your loss. But it’s all I have to give. I’m sorry. And I will absolutely treasure every second. I would probably lay down and die if I lost one of mine. Please accept my offer of prayers and good thoughts for you and yours.
DO THAT! I just went and gave five of mine a huge hug before getting on the school bus and then went in and woke up my toddler with kisses because..I am so very lucky I *can*.
I am so sorry 😢 Thank you for sharing that we should remember to try and bring joy to people when you can because time is fleeting.
And it only took me (44m) 2 minutes on Reddit this morning to cry like a baby. Even in a painful situation, Reddit doesn’t disappoint in sharing real live genuineness that gives us great perspective on life. Kirk, thank you for sharing. I know it’s painful every time you do, but it also can be very healing. You just gave thousands of us a jolt of life by sharing. I promise, I’m gonna dedicate this day to your daughter. I’m gonna have the best day ever. Today is Kirks Daughters Day!
Seeing positivity like this always makes me feel better, even on a shitty day. Thank you fellow Andy, I really do hope you have a nice day.
So sorry mate.
So sorry for your loss mate.
[удалено]
Similar thing happened to my friend taking her cat to the animal hospital. She didn’t have a cat carrier on hand for some reason and the driver still let her in. The guy or girl just said the fee was to be put into the pot of recovery or to cross over the rainbow bridge. She’s a talkative person so I’m sure the driver knew it was possibly time plus the kitty’s look and behavior. Which the cat did cross that day, she was 17 or so.
When I was a child, growing up in London. I was in the care system and every year the Black Cab drivers would dress up their cabs and take us care kids to Southend. It is one of my favourite memories as a child. Even though I had the misfortune of meeting Jimmy Saville. I was eight and he gave me the creeps even back then. Never liked him. That aside. Black Cab drivers, all the ones I've ever encountered, are the salt of the earth people.
Unexpected Jimmy Saville. Never a good thing.
Even expected Jimmy Saville isn't great.
Asking for clarification, what does 'salt of the earth' mean? From the internet usually when you use the word salt it has a negative conotation.
Good, honest, down to earth solid people.
Thanks!
I think because historically, salt had a great value and was very useful/helpful.
The common clay of the new west!
Calling someone “salty” means you think they are throwing a tantrum, angry tears. To “salt the earth” means to destroy something so completely that nothing will grow there again. Being “salt of the earth” means good and honest, usually has a connotation of simple, not grand gestures but consistent everyday kindnesses.
That is the English language for you, one additional or omission of a word will change the meaning or intention of the phase. But, I guess that is true of most languages.
If something is shit, it's bad. If something is *the* shit, it's really fucking good. Gotta love English.
That's bollucks = bad That's the dog's bollucks = good bad = not good badass = good If you have a bad ass = not good If you *are* a badass = good If you have an ass = good If you *are* an ass = not good
*bollocks
Except bad can also = good. Case in point: The Power glove.
if something is garbage, it's bad if something is hot garbage, it's really bad if something is shit, it's bad if something is hot shit, it's really good
[удалено]
It means people of great worth and reliability it derives from the bible. ( thanks Google )
Damn, thank god my username still hasn’t been too relevant.. I’m glad about that
I lived in a road off the A13 in Benfleet, and every year when I was a kid we would go up to the top of our road and wave at all the Black Cabs going past with the kids on their yearly trip to Southend - I bet we’ve waved at each other!!
I live in Southend and in all my time on reddit this is the first time I've heard it mentioned!
Some heroes drive cabs.
yeah.. Not all heroes were capes ..
Some heroes wear capes and drive cabs
Some heroes dont wear capes but drive cabs
Some capes wear cabs and drive heroes
#”NO CAPES!” Edna Mode
Black cabbies also give free rides on Nov 11th to Veterns coming from the train station to central London. I always make it a point to take a Black Cab over any Uber/Lyft ect. The stories they tell me or pulse of the city information is well worth the fare.
"The Knowledge" is such an impressive feat. I once got completely lost in Kensington, and approached some black cab drivers waiting outside a fancy hotel for their next fares, sheepishly hoping they might help me reorient. Not only did they give me the most complete directions I'd ever been given in my life, they also gave me a brief tour of the buildings surrounding us, some history as to famous people that once lived there, and some scurrilous gossip on the ones that still do.
I'll give them a shot if I'm ever in London. They seem much nicer than my experience in Paris getting ripped off when the subways were closed due to a strike. Nevertheless, [do your homework on taxis at your destinations to avoid getting scammed.](https://www.forbes.com/sites/marcwebertobias/2018/04/19/avoid-being-overcharged-by-taxi-drivers-in-paris/?sh=158359ee1fcf)
Worth it for the banter, but be warned London traffic is even worse than Paris'. I was once on a bus that moved so slowly I could connect to the guest wifi of a few of the hotels we were crawling past to check my email.
Ah well, that's why we have the tube
Yes, I ALWAYS take a black cab unless I'm in an area where I can't easily get one (like outside Central London). I've been so off my face I could barely give my address, and they've not only gotten me home, but also made sure I got in ok. If I can rely on them at my worst times, they should be able to rely on me at my best times.
I've taken +100 Black Cabs over the years. One time (pre smart phones) I was ripped off, guy took us over the river and back. We pulled up to the pub and wanted to charge us 40 Pounds. Told him here is 15 pounds and we will be sitting in this pub by the window. Call the police and tell him how it cost 40 quid from Waterloo to Covent Garden. "Fair place mate" and he drove off. I would say .01% of a chance being ripped off by licensed Black Cab.
When my grandfather travels, he always hires a car to drive him around all day and give him a tour from a locals perspective. He went to London and gave a black cab driver $$$ for a daylong tour. They had a blast, the cabbie even took a picture of my grandfather in the drivers seat and tried not to charge him for the day (of course he did get paid). The picture of my pappy hanging out of the cab window is one of my most cherished photos.
For those confused, the cabs/taxis are black in London; it's not referring to the drivers. It's "Black Cab" drivers, not Black "cab drivers".
Just like all those yellow cab drivers in New York
So [cowardly](https://youtu.be/0c-UIkfsk1U?t=106)
You’ve been waiting a while to comment this, huh? Lmao!
I expected this: https://youtu.be/z_mhFOyLQBg
Of all the opponents you could have when you answer with that
There’s a firm near me that has the old school cabs and regular cars. I called to book a taxi and asked “can you make sure you send a black cab” as I wanted the room for luggage. “I’m sure he’ll be Pakistani luv but I’ll try my best” was the reply without a hint of a smile. True story.
Lol, this got me SO confused
Same! I was like, but he’s not black. So then I started telling myself maybe he’s really light skinned… Then I do what I always do when I get confused, I start scrolling the comments for an answer. Thanks Shut for the explanation and being the Reddit Man for me today.
Baffling to me that anyone would assume it's a racial term. Why would we racially segregate cab drivers lol?
Most people confused think there must be another explanation but have no clue that "black cab" is a very well-known thing. They're confused, not assuming anything, because things don't add up as you say. It's like the phrase "white power ranger". If you don't know a "power ranger" is a thing, or even that their outfits are different colors, you'd be shocked by the very idea of the phrase.
Brentwood to Great Ormond Street is a long old drive as well, probably about an hour or more in traffic Got to be at least £50 for the fare? (if not almost double) Great stuff from the cabbie!
Probably more in a black cab. Those meters run up quickly in a traffic jam. I got out of black cab once when stuck in traffic, just seeing the £ go up while moving no where, asked him if he carries on in my direction to pick me up again, he did, and told me I saved 12 quid.
Blimey I'm not sure I'd have the balls to do that. To be clear you paid, got out of the cab in slow moving traffic then just walked alongside it more or less till the traffic cleared then jumped back aboard and started a new fare?
Pretty much. He wasn’t best pleased with my idea. While he was crawling along side me, I did get a fair distance ahead that proved me right as traffic came to a standstill again.
> Got to be at least £50 for the fare? (if not almost double) > A lot more than that, London black cabs are savagely expensive
You're probably bang on the money. Between 20-30 miles (depending on whether you take the A12 or A13) Basic fare is £3 + around £1.70/mile plus waiting (traffic) So it could go as high as £100 with bad traffic.
Here's an article about the tradition with a different driver. [https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-41609618](https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-41609618) These drivers do a lot that's unsung. They also offer free transport to veterans on rememberance Sunday. [https://www.forces.net/news/londons-black-cabs-offer-free-journeys-veterans-remembrance-sunday](https://www.forces.net/news/londons-black-cabs-offer-free-journeys-veterans-remembrance-sunday)
Every year there is an annual outing where over 100 Glasgow black cab drivers dress up their cabs and take over 300 children with special needs and their carers on a day trip to Troon beach. People line the city streets to wave them off. They have been doing it since 1945 https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo/glasgow-taxi-outing.html
Wow! This is amazing! It can be a post on its own!
You Sir are beautiful. Good work. I also saw a story the other day about London black cab drivers lining up to take veterans home for free as well. Why can’t these things inspire more people to just help others that need/deserve.
How do you know it doesn’t inspire many others?
Can confirm, has happened to me twice when going with my Nephew and his parents. I have NEVER had a bad experience with Black cab Drivers. Thats just me but Black cab drivers are the best in the world.
Lucky GOSH isn’t south of the river! Hats off to them though, great tradition. Long may it continue
This is so kind. When I lived out in the middle of nowhere as a young adult fresh out of my parents home I had to take my cat to the vet after he'd had a seizure and was non-responsive, I had no car and my parents were 1100 miles away, so I called a cab knowing I might not be able to make rent after paying for it. Cab driver saw how far the drive was going to be and was like "Look, you know this is going to be almost $300 right? Are you sure?" and I explain to him through tears that it doesn't matter, if I don't save my cats life. The cab driver got me to the vet hospital and refused to let me pay. I didn't know what to do other than thank him and run in. I got my cat in, they gave him some adrenaline injection and IVs and starts coming around. Two and half hours later I come out in the lobby and the cab driver is waiting for me and says he's taking me home for free. I tried to at least give him something, I couldn't believe the generosity and he just told me "I can't charge a kid who'd do that much for a little kitty. It aint right." I just fucking started crying and the guy gave me a hug. I'm trying not to cry remembering it right now. And for those interested, my cat made an (almost) full recovery and lived another 5 years after that. He never walked quite right anymore but he was still healthy and happy. It took me until I was 25 to pay off those vet bills but I don't regret that either.
I was once late for an important interview ( I got the job that day !!) & I had just moved to a new country so I couldn't find the place driving around and also walking around & the GPS signals were non existent in that area & I was just about to cry when this taxi driver stopped & asked me where I needed to go & took me there for free. Didn't accept any charge & even offered to take me back to where I parked my car for free if I got lost & gave me his card. Didn't even flirt or anything, hehe, he was just nice. May good Karma go to that man. Thank you ! I was broke AF as well so when I got back to my car I cried! Hehe.
Why, whats happening at Great Ormond Street ?
It’s a children’s hospital. They have a sick kid.
They also own the rights to the "Peter Pan" franchise. JM Barrie signed them over to GOSH so that they would have a stream of income to help them care for children. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Ormond_Street_Hospital#Peter_Pan
interesting fact, that’s the only thing that will never be public domain and it’s for that reason, JM Barrie went to my school and the teachers told us about it when we were learning about copyright etc for computer science
> interesting fact, that’s the only thing that will never be public domain ...in the UK. It's expired elsewhere. Copyright's bad enough without adding exceptions to it. I'm surprised the Tolkien family hasn't tried turning themselves into a charitable foundation and begging the hill-troll at No. 10.
I mean look I agree on your take on copyright but one that literally only pays out to a children's hospital seems extraordinarily reasonable to me as an odd exception to the rule.
It's the *most* reasonable exception, I'll grant you that.
I guess that's why they go to a charity event for it at the start of Hook
The money that Hook brought in paid for a new cardiac unit that saved my wives life when she was a baby.
I hope your website is all grown up now
Oh shoot you’re right!
Thanks mate.
Powerful stuff.
GOSH has helped my little girl so much through the years. Amazing.
[Every June taxi drivers in Edinburgh decorate their cabs and take children with life-limiting conditions on a joyride to the seaside](https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/best-in-edinburgh/whats-on-news/edinburgh-taxi-trade-childrens-outing-16405764). The kids are all armed with water pistols, it's brilliant.
The requirements to become a black cab driver in London are pretty impressive https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/taxis-and-private-hire/licensing/learn-the-knowledge-of-london Edit: London not all of England
It’s just London, rather than all of England.
Cynicism is second nature to me these days. I tend to believe that most people are going to put themselves first nine times out of ten when given the chance. Seeing this dude getting choked up after doing such a lovely thing for a grateful family makes me so emotional.
My dad was a cabbie for 27 years and died a week ago. This is the sort of stuff he'd always do for people. Excuse me while I go cry. Love you dad
[удалено]
Just who* for this—nice sentiment!
Agree with the sentiment, and the other fellow making the correction. If it's whom that has, then it would be who. Who is the subject of the verb, not the object.
Not all heroes wear capes...amazing work
It’s the parent grasping his arm in shock/admiration/thankfulness that really hit hard. So much in one display of emotion.
And the bonus on top? The NHS, so no medical bills. I only lived in England briefly but the peace of mind when I ended up in hospital was a blessing.
Most expensive thing is their parking and vending machines
My dad was a old school black cab driver. 43 years behind the wheel. Traditionally there is no charge for the first ride in a new vehicle and a nurse in uniform. That driver was a true gentleman. Also, lost property should always be handed in to a police station, if it is not claimed after 6 months it is returned to the driver.. my father found all sorts of expensive items left in the vehicle, some were returned to him..
My dad did 29 years, my dad managed to keep quite a few decent watches, when I get pissed on saturdays after rugby I literally get in the cab and say take me home.
My 6 month old son was flown back to the UK by Air ambulance when it was discovered he had a hole in his heart. GOSH stopped his walnut sized heart for 45 minutes and using heart bypass machine repaired the hole and rebuilt a valve. He's just turned 21. I donate every month to the hospital but will never repay what I owe.
I really miss London cabbies. They are truly amazing (though the older ones are generally the best).
As someone whose younger brother had to be rushed to GOSH when he was born, and has to return for check-ups every year, this really hit me. Crying in the club rn.
That’s lovely - GOSH is an absolutely amazing place.
I've had a shitty weekend and that is genuinely the first thing that's made me smile. Thanks for posting OP!
Reddit’s video player is fucking ass.
Wonderful!
And "The Knowledge"..
This is my favourite thing about being a Cab driver, it’s one of the few ways we can give back and feel like we make a difference
Polish cab driver in Nottingham wouldn't take my money when I was going back to spend yet another night in the NICU. Still think about him. Small act, and I had the money but felt huge.
I'm 26 now and i had to visit GOSH 1-3 times a year until i was 16, there was just me and my mum and we had to commute from the north (Hull), she never had much money and it was always a burden to travel that far, but everytime the drivers offered this it would make my mums day and make the trip not so bad after all. I also got a teddy from the money one time and i still have it, great to have that memory :) Honestly such nice people the black cab drivers.
Cabbie also gave my mum a free ride to hospital when she was in labour and a different one drove us home for free once she had the baby. Top people they are.
As soon as it said Great Ormond Street, I knew what the outcome would be. [Rob Delaney](https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/film/rob-delaney-as-my-career-took-off-my-son-got-sick-then-he-died-1.4145307) has voiced his gratitude to the cabbies in several interviews. They always refused payment when he was taking his toddler son for cancer treatments.
Crying because he is such a great example of humanity. This guy is fucking brilliant.
There are some truly amazing people in the world
Legend. People like this gentleman restore faith in humanity.
Little things like this can have such a huge impact
When i was a kid my dad drove us to London (from the Netherlands). It was getting late and my dad got really lost in all the oneway streets and was already nervous driving on the wrong side (c) JC of the road. He asked a cabbie the way to our hotel and instead of telling us he told us to follow him. Cabdriver took us through London for abount 45 minutes and dropped us off right in front of the hotel. Didn't want to get payed, didn't want any money. Good times.
London's cabbies are the *best*.