Acorn Insurance has named Ian Blades, a private hire driver from Sevenoaks, the South East winner of the Acorn Taxi Hero Award 2026. InYourArea reported the award on 5 November 2026 and described him as a Borough Green taxi driver. A carer had recommended him to a passenger who uses a wheelchair and lives with cerebral palsy, at first for adult pottery classes in term time. He helped with the wheelchair and with a studio that has steps at the entrance. The nomination records later journeys to GP and dental appointments, social events, and Christmas with friends, including trips with presents and other belongings.
In his words
Ian Blades said: "I'm absolutely delighted to have been named the South East Taxi Hero. For me, being a taxi driver is about helping people get where they need to go and making the journey as comfortable as possible. Sometimes that means offering a bit of extra help, and I'm always happy to do that.
"It means a great deal to know that the support I provide has made a difference. I'm proud to represent Wrotham, Borough Green and their surrounding villages and I'm looking forward to the national winner being announced. Whatever happens, it's wonderful to see taxi drivers recognised for the work they do."
Ash Coakley, head of taxi insurance at Acorn Insurance, said: "Taxi drivers are often at the heart of their communities, and Ian is a brilliant example of how their care and dedication can make a genuine difference to someone's everyday life.
"From medical appointments and pottery classes to social occasions and Christmas celebrations, Ian's support has helped his passenger stay active, connected and independent. It is the consistency of that help, together with his kindness and sense of humour, that makes this story so special.
"Ian shows that going the extra mile does not always mean one dramatic act. Sometimes it is about being there, journey after journey, for someone who relies on you. He's a thoroughly deserving South East Taxi Hero and exactly the kind of person these awards were created to recognise."
The prize
A judging panel drawn from the taxi and insurance sectors chose the winners. Acorn has set a £100 Amazon gift card for each regional winner. The national winner receives a £1,000 Amazon gift card and the inaugural Britain's Taxi Hero trophy. The announcement is on Wednesday 11 November 2026, and Blades remains in the running. Acorn puts the number of stories it heard at more than 1,700.