Glasgow man who offers free transport to veterans wins national award
Glasgow cabbie David Gibson had a dream after noticing a reoccurring challenge for the region’s older veterans. Many veterans struggled to access affordable road transport which prevented them from enjoying a decent quality of life.
In 2015, David decided to take a big risk and do something about it. He established the charity Fares4Free to provide free taxi rides through his own mini-bus for military veterans needing essential travel. He started in East Renfrewshire and started to notice the service growing in popularity in Lanarkshire.
David said:
“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. 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 simply into words but it’s simply the best job in the world.”
Two years later, he joined the Unforgotten Forces membership, which allowed him to expand the service by partnering with 23 taxi firms throughout Scotland who donated free rides every month to support older veterans.
To date, David has provided or facilitated 4,000 free taxi rides covering over 94,000 miles – saving approximately £160,00 in taxi fares for 550 older veterans. The service now provides 24/7 coverage from The Highlands to the Borders.
Veteran Wing Commander of the Royal Air Force Ken Watt said:
“We met David through a mutual friend and it became obvious very quickly this is an opportunity for some of our veterans who are unable to make their own way to functions and things like cafés and this was an opportunity to get together. “
David’s work caught the eye of Age Scotland, the leading national charity for older people, who awarded him with the Inspiration Award at their National Conference in Glasgow last week (20 March).
Honouring David, Brian Sloan, Age Scotland’s Chief Executive, 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. Services like Fares4Free can make a real difference to older veterans’ lives ensuring their still able to connect and stay active long after they have retired from active duty.”
To arrange travel through Fares4Free for an older veteran, phone 07708 299 399. Age Scotland’s free and confidential helpline provides additional advice, support and information bespoke to older veterans on 0800 12 44 222.
ENDS
Notes to editor
Award video: David Gibson & Fares4Free Inspiration Award winner
