The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans is delighted to announce that Babette Powell will be running the 2025 London Marathon to raise vital funds for the charity.
Babette, an experienced marathon runner from Gravesend, has completed eight marathons to date, including three previous London Marathons. Her personal best was an impressive 4 hours and 11 minutes, achieved in Paris in 2013.
This year, she faces a particularly challenging test, having committed to running the Paris Marathon on 13 April, just two weeks before taking on London.
Babette was introduced to the Taxi Charity by London cab driver and charity Vice Chair, Paul Cook, who personally invited her to take on this challenge in support of the charity’s invaluable work with military veterans.
Paul Cook said: “I was delighted when Babette agreed to run the London Marathon for the Taxi Charity. This is a very special year for the charity as we will be travelling to the Netherlands to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Dutch Liberation on 5 May, followed by celebrations for the 80th anniversary of VE Day. These trips are completely free for the veterans and their carers, and we are hoping that people will get behind Babette and donate to support the men and women who gave so much for our freedom.”
Speaking about her motivation for running, Babette said:
“I just love running and challenging myself. Every year after a marathon, I say this is my last, and no one ever believes me! But this year, it’s about more than just running London. I’m honoured to have been asked to run for the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans. The charity provides vital support to veterans, many of whom have faced unimaginable challenges. Running 26.2 miles is a small effort compared to the sacrifices these veterans have made. By taking on this marathon, I hope to raise awareness and funds to help continue the charity’s important work and get more veterans on trips.”
The Taxi Charity has been supporting veterans since 1948, providing trips to the Netherlands and Normandy, outings, and special events to show appreciation for their service. The charity relies entirely on donations and the generosity of volunteer London cab drivers who dedicate their time to transporting veterans to various events and commemorations.
Babette is calling on supporters to help her raise as much as possible for the charity, ensuring it can continue to make a difference in the lives of those who have served their country.
For more information about Babette’s fundraising or to donate, please visit https://2025tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/babette-powell
To find out more about the support the Taxi Charity offers to veterans or to donate visit www.taxicharity.org
About the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans
The Taxi Charity is run by volunteer London black taxi drivers and has been supporting thousands of veterans since 1948. It is the only Forces charity that focuses on providing fun and entertainment and arranges free trips (for veterans from all conflicts) to the Netherlands and France for acts of commemoration and days out to museums, concerts, or social events across the UK.
The charity received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2021 and celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2023, a remarkable milestone for a small, niche charity peopled by enthusiastic volunteers.
In 2024, the charity took veterans to Normandy for the 80th anniversary of D-Day and commemorated the 80th anniversary of Operation Market Garden in the Netherlands in September.
In May 2025 the charity will be returning to the Netherlands for the 80th anniversary of Dutch Liberation.
To fund and facilitate their work, the charity is wholly reliant on donations, grants and sponsorship.
