Last Updated on 3.5.23 by Gorvins
A 52-year-old man from Romiley is nervously preparing for a trip to Buckingham Palace (next week) in recognition of his unwavering commitment to charitable fundraising.
Philip Taylor, who has Cerebral Palsy and Epilepsy, has raised more than £45,000 over the last three decades; £31,000 of which was during a 17-year-tenure in the post room at Gorvins Solicitors.
Having helped his grandad collect and recycle cans as a young boy, Philip has continued the tradition to this day, giving him the apt title of ‘Phil the can man’.
Trading up to 22 bags of metal recycling each time at EMR scrap metal yard in Hyde, Philip relies on donations from his former colleagues, friends and family, to raise around £70 each visit.
Alongside metal gathering, Philip has organised fundraising concerts at his place of worship, Woodley Methodist Church and in his role as chair of Gorvin’s charity committee, he oversaw thousands raised for a range of beneficiaries, including Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Epilepsy Action, Clough Farm Animal Sanctuary and Beechwood Cancer Care Centre.
Attending the Royal Garden Party on Wednesday 3 May 2023 along with his 80-year-old dad, Ian, Philip will have an opportunity to meet the King and other members of the Royal Family. In addition, he will be able to mingle with fellow guests, explore the Palace grounds and enjoy delicious tea and cakes.
“I’m very excited, but on the day I’ll probably be a bag of nerves!” enthused Philip.
“I’ve met the King before, but as a Cub in the late 70s when he visited Marple to open some locks. I remember it well, but I’m sure he won’t remember meeting me!
“I don’t know if I’ll get chance to speak to him or what I’ll say, but I’m just honoured to be going!”
Philip was originally due to attend the Royal Garden Party in 2020 having being nominated by Christian Mancier, partner at Gorvins. Understandably the event was postponed numerous times due to Covid-19, but now Philip is just days away from the once-in-a-lifetime occasion.
“When I first got the invitation in December 2019 I was touched, over the moon and lost for words all at the same time!,” continued Philip. I didn’t know at the time that someone from work had put me forward and only found out when I asked for the time off and they already knew about it!
“I’m eternally grateful to my Gorvins colleagues for their continued support of my fundraising efforts. Even though I haven’t worked there for almost two years, they still make the effort to drop cans and foil round to my house, which is extremely helpful considering I don’t drive.
“I can’t believe I’ll be in the presence of King Charles III and can’t wait to get home from Buckingham Palace and tell everyone about it. Even though we don’t arrive back at Stockport until just before midnight, I’ll probably be too excited to sleep!”
Christian Mancier, partner at Gorvins, added: “Philip was an integral part of the business for almost two decades and what he achieved for charity during his time here is absolutely incredible.
“His unwavering commitment to helping others is truly admirable and he wholly deserves his place at the Royal Garden Party; we all hope he has a wonderful time!”
