A kind cabbie who offers free travel to veterans across the region has been recognised by a national charity.
David Gibson received the ‘inspiration award’ from Age Scotland recently after setting up the free-travel scheme in 2015.
He said he noticed a boundary to travel for the region’s older veterans who struggled to access affordable road transport.
So in 2015, he setup the charity ‘Fares4Free,’ offering free taxi rides through his own mini-bus to provide essential travel.
And speaking at Age Scotland’s national conference in Glasgow last month, David said he has the “best job in the world”.
He added: “I’ve been a taxi driver since I was 29. I found myself with time on my hands during the day.
“I offered some free taxis to one of the local charity shops and started to look at who perhaps could benefit from free taxis.
“Some friends pointed me in the direction of veterans.
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"The reverend Neil Galbraith here at Wings Café was very helpful in pointing me in the direction of people who could explain to me the problems faced by a significant minority of veterans from early service leavers to older veterans.
"It’s really hard to put into words, but it’s simply the best job in the world.”
Starting in East Renfrewshire, David’s service quickly expanded after a rise in popularity in Lanarkshire.
Now he has joined the ‘Unforgotten Forces’ membership, allowing him to expand the project by partnering with 23 taxi firms throughout Scotland.
To date, David has helped to provide 1651 free taxi rides covering over 16,650 miles, and helping to save approximately £28,500 in taxi fares for the nation’s older veterans.
His hard work caught the eye of Age Scotland, the leading national charity for older people, who presented him with his award at their national conference.
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Brian Sloan from the charity said: “David’s passion and commitment to improving mobility among Scotland’s older veterans is truly inspirational.
“We know of veterans who rely on Fares4Free and it really does improve their daily lives and allows them to remain independent.
“We’re delighted to recognise David’s innovative contribution which honours our older veterans.
“There are too many older people throughout Scotland who are lonely or socially isolated, which has a devastating impact on their health and wellbeing.”
To arrange travel through Fares4Free for an older veteran phone 07708 299 399. Free and confidential help is also available through Age Scotland by calling 08001 244 222.
Pledge your support to your community and join our campaign online at www.eastkilbridenews.co.uk/stampoutbullying
