One of Manchester’s slowest taxi rides became a quick way to raise money for charity as it took three hours for cabbies to pull a taxi four and half miles from Didsbury village to Albert Square in the city centre.
Drivers John Consterdine (left) and Ian Reid lead the way on the charity taxi pull.
A team of helpers collected en route for St Ann’s Hospice and Lancasterian Specialist School in west Didsbury.
Organiser Ian Reid, from Brooklands, Sale, said:
“A lot of taxi drivers are out of shape because of the nature of their work and this was a way of highlighting the need for them to get fit and raise money for two deserving causes.
“A few of us have had friends and relatives treated at St Ann’s Hospice which is such an important part of the community, while Lancasterian School does tremendous work for pupils with special needs.
“It was the most tiring trip I’ve had into town along Wilmslow Road but well worth the effort and I’d like to thank everyone for supporting us.”
It was the latest fitness challenge undertaken by Manchester Taxi Aid, a charity set up by Ian and colleague John Consterdine to enable black cab drivers to help the community.
Among those pulling their weight on the journey was Saleem Khan, who adapted the vehicle at his garage where he maintains black cabs, and Dave Calvert, executive head teacher at Lancasterian School.
New recycling rules come into effect for businesses 
April squeezes finances as new higher charges take effect 
New cyber laws to boost security requirements for data centres and MSPs