Acorn Insurance has named Charles Matthews, a public hire driver from Glasgow, the Scotland winner of its Taxi Hero Award 2026. Its winners page lists him among 11 regional winners chosen by the judging panel, with the national result due on Wednesday 11 November 2026.
The Glasgow Times reports him as Charlie Matthews and describes the award as recognition for a journey to Stobhill Hospital in which passenger Jake Sinclair's heart stopped. Matthews told the Glasgow Times he was delighted to be named Scotland's Taxi Hero.
"I'm absolutely delighted to have been named Scotland's Taxi Hero. I was taking the passenger to hospital when I realised he wasn't responding, and I knew I needed to get help straight away. The hospital staff were fantastic and did everything they could for him. The best part was hearing that the passenger was recovering and then being able to see him again. I'm just glad I was in a position to help. It means a great deal to receive this recognition, and I'm proud to represent Glasgow."
Ash Coakley, head of taxi insurance at Acorn, said: "When Jake became seriously unwell, Charlie recognised the urgency of the situation and made sure medical professionals could reach him as quickly as possible. His calm response, alongside the life-saving care provided by hospital staff, made an enormous difference. He's a thoroughly deserving Scotland Taxi Hero and exactly the kind of person these awards were created to recognise."
The prize
Acorn's winners page gives each regional winner a £100 Amazon gift card. The national winner receives a £1,000 Amazon gift card and Britain's Taxi Hero trophy. The Glasgow Times reports that Matthews is in the running for that title. Acorn puts the number of stories it heard at more than 1,700.