The annual East London Cabbies Outing to Maldon could be a thing of the past as organisers struggle to find enough sponsorship to fund the event.

This year's event is on July 7 as planned, but organiser Alan Libby said he does not know if the event will run next year because of a lack of funds.

East London cabbies have been bringing disabled and disadvantaged children from London to the Maldon district for 52 years.

In a convoy of 125 cabs 300 youngsters aged between five and 18 are brought to Maldon from schools in areas including Barking, Plaistow, Romford and Dagenham.

They stop in Mountnessing, before going on to Maldon High Street, Plume School and finish at Promenade Park.

Each child is given a meal along with a goody bag and £1 pocket money. At Promenade Park they are given larger presents, which cost between £10 and £15.

Mr Libby has been involved with the outing for 40 years and said that there are now more charities and also that those who are sponsoring are giving less money.

He said that four years ago there would be £20,000 in the bank from previous events to put towards the following year's outing, but now there is only around £4,000. The whole event costs £17,000.

Mr Libby said: "We have had a struggle with sponsorship and I'm not sure if we can do it next year."

Published Monday June 14, 2004

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