UNSUNG HEROES
HERO CHORLEY CABBIE PULLED MAN OUT OF BURNING CAR BEFORE CONTINUING WITH HIS FARE
Chorley cabbie, Abdul Javeed, has been hailed as a hero, after he pulled a man out of a burning car - before getting on with his fare. Abdul spotted the wreckage of a car in Spendmore Lane, Coppull, as he was taking a customer home to Liverpool at 3am on 2 March. The car had left the road, smashed into two houses, and flames were beginning to take hold. With other bystanders taking pictures at the scene and with no emergency services around, he stopped his taxi and ran towards the damaged car as it burst into flames.
Abdul said: “I went over to the car and saw a person unconscious inside. I managed to open the door, take the the seat belt off, and
got the man out of the car. He added: “It was terrifying. I have never encountered anything like it. “After the arrival of the police and firefighters at the scene, I offered my support to the police by aiding them in evacuating residents from their homes in the event of a fire.” “He’s saved the man’s life”, said Shaz Malik, founder of the Chorley Taxi Association, who says that the
act of courage showcases the importance of having trained and responsible taxi drivers in the community. Shaz said: “Javeed’s story serves as a reminder of the vital role that CTA taxi drivers play in our communities, not only as trans- portation providers but also as first responders in times of crisis. “His actions exemplify the values of compassion, quick thinking, and selflessness that are essential in emergency situations.” Shaz added: “Saving anyone’s life is one of the biggest things you will do in your life, and every life matters. His bravery and quick actions undoubtedly saved a life and inspired others to do the same in times of crisis.”
BASILDON TAXI DRIVER RALPH MORGAN TO BE HONOURED WITH BLUE PLAQUE
A cabbie who spent years campaigning for the rights of his colleagues has been honoured with a blue plaque at the taxi rank where he used to work. Ralph Morgan was a well-known taxi driver from Basildon and spokesman for the Basildon Hackey Carriage Drivers’ Association (BBHCA). Mr Morgan, who colleagues say “would do anything for his customers” sadly passed away aged 74 in 2017. His fellow cabbies banded together to fund a blue plaque in his honour, to install at the rank in Basildon town centre. The plaque was officially unveiled by the Basildon Heritage Society
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on 16 March. Former colleague Mark Waller and, BBHCA treasurer, paid tribute to his “community- spirited” friend. He said: “He was nicknamed ‘Mr Echo’ because he was always in the paper, campaigning about local issues. “Ralph was more than just a taxi driver. He would do anything to look after his customers. He was a man of the people.” It is hoped that by installing the plaque at the taxi rank, it will trigger passengers’ memories “of a
good guy”. Basildon councillor Daniel Lawrence, chairman of the taxi licensing committee, is credited with the idea to install a blue plaque in Mr Morgan’s memory and attended the unveiling. The father-of-four was born in 1943 and worked “seven days a week”, right up until he died following a short illness in July 2017. He is survived by his wife, children and three grandchildren. At Mr Morgan’s funeral, a huge parade of taxis followed the procession, as cabbies wanted to pay tribute to their friend and hard-working representative. Mrs Morgan des- cribed it as an “amazing” tribute.
APRIL 2024 PHTM
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