UNSUNG HEROES
BIG-HEARTED AYR CABBIE PRAISED AFTER SURPRISING SEN CHILD AT HIS BIRTHDAY PARTY
A big-hearted taxi driver has been praised for surprising a young boy with additional support needs at his birthday party. Ayr cabbie, Eddie, made young Elliott Van Rensburg’s big day even more amazing as he celebrated his eighth birthday. Elliott was enjoying a birthday bash at Pirate Pete’s on Sunday, March 17. But he was absolutely delighted when best pal Eddie, who works for town firm Citadel Taxis, turned up. Eddie has built a special bond with Elliott as he takes him to and from Southcraig School – a specialist Additional Support Needs school in Ayr. Elliott is picked up in the morning by Eddie and assistant Lynda who both brighten up his morning. And when they turned up to Elliott’s big
day they put a huge smile on the youngster’s face. Elliott’s dad Brandon said: “Elliott absolutely loves his wee trip to school in the morning, it’s one of the highlights of his day. Eddie and Lynda are absolutely brilliant, they go out of their way for him and are his friends. Elliott is limited verbally
but he’s learned to say Eddie because he likes him so much. “I mentioned to them that it was Elliott’s party on Sunday and they should come along. I never expected them to actually turn up, it was such a big surprise. “Elliott was absolutely buzzing to see them. They brought him a spider-man figure which is so nice because they know what he is into. He spent all the party with them and they stayed the whole time.” Eddie has been picking up Elliott since August and Brandon has said what a huge support he and Lynda both are, as he thanked Citadel Taxis for their amazing work. Brandon added: “Citadel Taxis have been brilliant for us and guys like Eddie really help families like us. We can’t thank them enough.”
POOLE ELVIS TRIBUTE SINGER RAISES MONEY FOR COMIC RELIEF BY PEFORMING IN HIS TAXI
An Elvis Presley tribute singer has raised money for Comic Relief by performing for passengers in his taxi. Tony Mclennan from Poole, known to his fans as Tony Tupelo, dressed up and sang Elvis’s songs to his customers from Monday, March 11, to Friday, March 15. He drives an independent cab for Ferndown Cars. Tony also donned handmade Elvis Presley costumes, including his famous sideburns and jumpsuit and wore a red nose. Tony said: “I grew up in a children’s home, so raising money for children who are living in poverty is a cause really close to my heart. I
PHTM APRIL 2024
thought this would be a good way to give back and raise some money for underprivileged children.” Tony has been an Elvis Presley
impersonator for one year and is now entering big competitions around the country. His passion for Elvis impersonation began after he performed karaoke with friends. He later watched the ETA European championships. Tony then decided to give it a go. He said: “After my first com- petition, I absolutely fell in love with it. I am a big fan of Elvis, and I have been since I was a child.” Tony added: “I can’t wait to go around saying, ‘Thank you very much to everyone’. I just want to make people happy. If they want a song or a picture, they can put a donation into the charity box.”
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