Happiness suddenly turned into despair for mother Emma Baker when she was told the devastating news that she had leukemia 30 weeks into her pregnancy.

The mother of 3 was heartbroken as she faces the unfortunate situation of having to deliver her baby early so she can embark on chemotherapy.

To add to the huge setback, Emma and her boyfriend Jack faced the prospect of long bus journeys from their home in County Durham to Newcastle, from where they would have had to catch another bus to the Freeman hospital and then return to the city centre to visit the new baby (who they have already named as Paisley).

After reading about her situation online, LA Taxis have offered free taxi services to Emma and her family to and from the hospital.

We’ve always been involved with regular charity work thanks to our founder, Rob Armstrong and we were really happy to provide the free transport given the situation.

“I am devastated, my emotions are up and down,” said Emma, who also has children Emily,12, Lucy,10, and seven-year-old Harry.

“I found out I was pregnant in June, just two weeks after having a miscarriage.

“We were trying for a child but I didn’t expect to fall pregnant again so soon after having the miscarriage.

“Jack and I were definitely delighted, we got everything in place and planned having our baby together.

“But at 29 weeks into my pregnancy, I had blood tests on January 2.

“It was then I was told that she thought I had leukaemia.

“I went from being so happy from expecting our baby to being so devastated. I went from one emotion to another.”

LA Taxis have a longstanding connection with the Tiny Lives Trust through our founder Rob Armstrong and following a management meeting, it was unanimously agreed that we would offer the free taxi services for the family during this difficult time.

Rob Armstrong added: “After reading the article on the Chronicle I wanted to do something for the mother. Our management team decided to offer Emma free travel to and from the hospital and then also free travel to the RVI once the baby is born. Given LA Taxis’ long-running connection with the Tiny Lives Trust, we were absolutely delighted to be offer the services for Emma and her family “.

We wish Emma and the family all the best from everybody at LA Taxis over the next few weeks and we’re delighted to be able to offer a helping hand during these testing times.