Watch the emotional moment Johnny Gallagher from the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans launches his new campaign for veterans on GB News.
Gallagher is hoping to raise £1million so veterans can travel to next month’s Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) celebrations, as well as many other occasions.
He told Martin Daubney that for many of Britain’s World War Two veterans, it could be their last opportunity to celebrate the momentous day.
VE Day marks the formal acceptance by the Allies of World War Two of Germany’s unconditional surrender of its armed forces.
Johnny Gallagher spoke on GB News about his campaign
GB NEWS
Gallagher told GB News it is vital veterans can travel to the event marking its 80th anniversary.
“These veterans, not just with VE Day, D-Day, Dutch Liberation Day, you’re talking about events throughout the year”, he said.
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“These people are very lonely. These events keep them alive. I created a page last night at 3am. A fund for £1 million with my best friend, 100-year-old Dorothea, so we don’t have to worry again about whether these people can go to these events.
“The fund is called Our Heroes Fund. It’s a reassurance to these amazing people and I think it’s absolutely insane we have to do this. I know this fund is ambitious but I don’t think these people should have to worry about whether they are going on these trips or not.”
Johnny Gallagher joined Martin Daubney on GB News
GB NEWS
Gallagher revealed he pumped £20,000 of his own money into the fund to get it kickstarted.
He explained an unwillingness to leave it to the Government played a role in his decision.
“It breaks my heart to think we’re not doing this anyway”, he said.
“It’s a tearful moment. I think about that generation and it’s losing a part of us. In their later years, they shouldn’t be having to worry about going to these things.
There will be celebrations across the country for the 80th anniversary of VE DayGetty“So many are doing work for free. It doesn’t take into consideration them having to pay for their own hotels. The amazing cab charities are really at the heart - they don’t even take a charity.”
He admitted that his ask for £1 million is ambitious, but insisted that none of it will be going to him.
“I know some will be sceptical”, he said.
“It’s a big amount of money. I made sure it goes straight to the charity. It’s for our heroes in this great charity.”
In a tearjerking moment, Martin Daubney lavished Gallagher with praise and said “you’ll get me going”.
He said: “It’s amazing. It’s life changing and our greatest ever generation cannot become the forgotten generation.
“Johnny Gallagher, you are a hero. This is making dreams come true.”
To donate, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/johnny-gallagher-2
