MORE than 100 neighbours came out of their homes to bid a final farewell to a former black cab driver who died from the coronavirus last month.

The large numbers were spaced out near the Widford block on the Castle Road estate where John Murphy had lived since it was built in 1968.

The 82-year-old, known to many as “Johnny”, had passed away at the UCLH, although his family are still unsure as to how and where he contracted the virus. People applauded as a funeral procession passed with a hearse decorated by floral wreaths from relatives; he had 19 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. Neighbours, friends and family watched a string of black taxi cars follow on.

Mr Murphy spent his whole life living in Camden. He worked as cabbie until he was 79 and prided himself on never needing a Sat Nav. Long-serving Labour councillor Pat Callaghan, the deputy leader of Camden Council, was among those applauding on the pavement.

She said: “He was always happy to help others and did a lot for the area. He always put a smile on people’s faces.” Although he always played down his role in local campaigns, Mr Murphy had famously helped stop a block of flats being built on top of what was the children’s playground on the estate in 2005. His funeral took place later at St Pancras Crematorium.

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John Murphy in his cab [Photo: North London Cares]

Numbers attending had to be restricted due to the current lockdown, but a larger celebration of his life is planned to be held after the crisis has passed and events are allowed again.

Mr Murphy leaves behind his wife Pat, children Paul, Tony, Karen, Tracey and Carly, their partners Caroline, Karen, John, Dave and Eric, and his grandchildren and great grandchildren.