HE is a softly spoken taxi driver more used to shuttling older ladies to the bingo or picking up youngsters from a night out.

But big-hearted David Gibson has now become a man on a mission.

After hearing about the experiences of friends in the armed forces , he was determined to help veterans by making sure we “Don’t wait for November to remember”.

That’s the idea behind David’s new venture to give free taxi rides to veterans across Scotland.

So far, he has helped more than 200 veterans on more than 100 journeys, adding up to more than £5300 in free taxi rides.

Many veterans have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) triggered by their military service and can’t use public transport as they fear crowds.

Marcus Casey, in his army days, uses the free service

David, 45, from Glasgow , said: “We aim to fight veteran isolation, a mile at a time.
Fares4Free was born accidentally. I spoke to some friends about it and we figured that starting a charity to do a bit of good could work.

“Some of the guys I know have served or are serving in the RAF, Army, US Marine Corps and US Army. They spoke about the problems faced in particular by early service leavers and about the delayed effects of mental health issues on some veterans.

“My American friends were quick to point out the difference between the recognition of service in the US and UK.

“Less is done for veterans here. That’s where our phrase ‘Don’t wait for November to remember’ came from.

“It has been really rewarding to help these veterans and get them out and about again.”

Former soldier Marcus Casey, 42, from Uddingston, has been given a lifeline with the free taxi rides.

PTSD sufferer Marcus, who served in Northern Ireland, Iraq, Bosnia and Sierra Leone, said: “It is such a great idea and has been good for me, getting me out and about again.

“I sometimes have appointments and I would rather avoid public transport. Members of my family are unwell at the moment and the taxi rides have helped me get to hospital.”

Marcus Casey

World War II veteran and former Billy Wilson, 92, from Glasgow, said: “It is great for getting me out. The taxi takes me out for a bit of lunch and I meet some pals. It’s a brilliant idea.”

The taxi scheme covers Lanarkshire, Ayrshire, East Renfrewshire, Dundee, Aberdeen, Paisley, Edinburgh and Inverness. David added: “This is a completely voluntary service and is as yet unfunded. My vehicle is getting tired and we would like to raise funds for a wheelchair accessible vehicle to help more elderly isolated veterans.

“Our plan is to build a national database of volunteers, not only from the taxi world but among veterans.”

Audrey Cuthbertson, of Motherwell and Wishaw Citizens’ Advice Bureau, said: “I have been hugely impressed with David’s commitment and passion.

“Fares4Free offer much more than a taxi service to vulnerable veterans. The driver will also act as a companion when they take the veteran to a hearing or medical assessment.

Veterans Alexander Alan and William Watson-Wilson

“Many of our vulnerable veterans do not engage with services unless they have someone to accompany them.

Consequently, they miss appointments which impacts on many aspects of their life in a domino effect – unclaimed benefits, loss or sanction of benefits leading to rent arrears, possibly homelessness and so on.”

Frank Welsh, of Wellman Cars, Hamilton, said that many of his drivers had stepped up to do hires free of charge. He said: “We thought this was a such a terrific scheme that we had to get involved.

“It is high time we did something practical as a society to thank veterans for risking life and limb.

“It’s been a very short period of time but David has touched upon an desperate need, not just in Glasgow but all of Scotland. There are so many ex-soldiers who are isolated and quietly suffering.”

To volunteer, donate or get more information on the scheme, go to www.fares4free.org or email info@fares4free.org.