
Managers from a local taxi and private hire firm swapped four wheels for sheer rock faces after taking on a brutal wilderness challenge in the Lake District, helping to push a charity fundraising total past £15,000.
Jodie Wright, Site Manager for Take Me Wellingborough and Director of National Driver Recruitment, teamed up with Gareth Footbatten, Take Me Area Manager for Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes, alongside other company managers to complete Challenge the Wild.
The gruelling event threw participants straight into the wilderness for three days and two nights of camping with no running water or home comforts, featuring rock climbing, abseiling, canyoning and exhausting 20-mile hikes.
The pair undertook the grueling ordeal to raise money for Hope Against Cancer, a charity that funds innovative cancer research and supports clinical trials to improve treatment outcomes. Through their efforts, the Take Me team successfully raised £3,200, contributing to a broader overall total of more than £15,000 for the cause.
Reflecting on the physical toll and her motivation, Jodie Wright said: “There were definitely moments when I thought, ‘What on earth have I signed myself up for?’ When you’re cold, exhausted, covered in mud and standing in front of a rock face wondering how you’re going to get up it, giving up can seem like a very tempting option! But then you remember why you’re doing it.
"We had the choice to put ourselves through three days of discomfort. For people living with cancer, and their families, the challenges they face aren’t something they can simply choose to walk away from. That thought kept me going when my legs were screaming at me to stop. Every climb, every mile, every freezing night and every moment we pushed ourselves was for something bigger than us.”
She added: “Coming home with aching muscles was one thing, but knowing that Gareth and I had raised £3,200, and helped contribute to a total of more than £15,000, made every single step worthwhile.
"If the money we have raised can help fund research, improve treatments or give hope to someone and their family at one of the hardest times in their lives, then it was worth every muddy, exhausting and terrifying moment.”

eteran cabbie Rob Finlayson told PHTM: "Glasgow City Council is proposing to revoke the North Hanover Street taxi stance beside Queen Street Station. I’ve formally objected.

The follows a six year jail term being given in October 2022 to David Park, the 73-year-old Director of the firm, who used stolen taxes to help buy a £3.8 million mansion in rural Berkshire.

Tekla Adofo, 36, first came to the attention of the police on January 28 after a private hire driver realised his passenger was carrying a blade during a fare. 

Taxi and private hire drivers gathered at a city centre meeting in Carlisle on Monday, 14 September, to voice serious concerns about how the local trade is being managed across the Cumberland Council area.

The proposed changes seek to align our policy with updated national guidance and best practice, as well as improve consistency with neighbouring authorities.

The firm achieved the internationally recognised standard after having its management processes independently assessed

A report going to Brighton and Hove City Council's cabinet highlights industry worries over surging fuel prices, steeper insurance premiums, and the expense of meeting the local regulations in the "blue book".

Harrisons Taxis, operating across West Northamptonshire and the surrounding area, was named Taxi Business of the Year for the East Midlands following a public vote in the My Local Awards programme.

Council officers noted that these modifications, combined with a rise in the additional passenger charge from 30p to 40p and the dog transport fee from 20p to 30p per animal, represent a ten per cent increase in overall 

The scheme provides practical financial support to help local drivers transition to cleaner cars, while leaders simultaneously press the Government for legislative change on out-of-area licensing.

PC Joseph Passby had consumed alcohol prior to his shift and was on duty around 9am on 15 June 2026, when the collision with the taxi occurred.

Chris Pearson, a passenger assistant for Spalding Smart Cabs, said that traffic in the area had become "a nightmare" for local transport providers trying to get around.
Hundreds of black cab drivers could lose their jobs because it has become so difficult to obtain a new vehicle after their current one reaches its 12-year expiry date and must be replaced under TfL regulations. 

The Government has reaffirmed its intention to introduce a draft Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) Bill, with improved accessibility for disabled passengers identified as a key objective. 

The meeting brought together the North Northants Hackney Carriage Trade Alliance and local councillors, including regulatory services lead Cllr Kirk Harrison, to discuss the council's harmonised licensing policy.

Lucas Simpson ordered the cab to take him and his girlfriend from Blackburn to Darwen late in July 2024, at the destination, Simpson got out without paying the £40 fare.

The move follows widespread public outrage after convicted rapist David Brown was allowed to keep his operator’s licence following a majority decision made behind closed doors.

Daniella Shellard approached the Royal Cars cabbie on June 16 near Newport Bridge while he was parked up and waiting for a customer to return.=

Chris takes over the position from the outgoing Master, Leigh Dargan, whose year-long tenure in office has now come to an end. Leigh will however continue her service to the company in the role of Deputy Master.

Operations Manager Martin Walker said: "Since Chads Cars was acquired by JEM Group in 2022, our strategy has been to grow the business and deliver better services and benefits for customers and drivers alike."
