Hull private hire driver Mark Wray is the Yorkshire and the Humber winner of the Acorn Taxi Hero Award 2026. On Acorn's page, he spotted a young woman in a local river while on his way to collect her for a pre-booked fare, helped bring her to safety, stayed with her, and contacted her family so she was reunited with her mother. Hull Live, reporting the award on 30 October, named the river as the Humber. The young woman is not named. He has been a taxi driver since 1991. Regional winners
The nomination
Acorn's page gives this account of the nomination: "He didn't know this young woman. He didn't know her story. He simply saw someone who needed help and chose to do something. That morning, he wasn't just a taxi driver, he was the person who refused to look away." The same account calls the outcome what could have been a tragedy, turned into a story of hope, and puts the field at more than 1,700 stories, which is Acorn's figure.
In his words
Mark Wray said: "I'm absolutely delighted to have been named the Yorkshire and The Humber Taxi Hero. I was just waiting to pick up a passenger when I noticed something in the river. When I looked towards the river, I realised the person in the water was actually the passenger I'd been waiting to pick up, and I knew I had to do something. At the time, my only concern was getting her somewhere safe and making sure she had the support she needed. Thankfully, I was able to get her home safely and reunite her with her family.
"It means a great deal to receive this recognition. I'm really proud to represent Hull and I'm looking forward to the national winner being announced. Whatever happens, it's fantastic to see taxi drivers getting this kind of recognition."
Ash Coakley, head of taxi insurance at Acorn Group, said: "Taxi drivers are often at the heart of their communities, and Mark's actions are an extraordinary example of the difference they can make beyond their day-to-day work. What began as a routine passenger collection turned into a situation where Mark's quick thinking, compassion and willingness to act may well have saved a young woman's life. Not only did he bring her to safety, but he stayed with her, offered reassurance and made sure she was reunited with her family.
"Mark's story is a powerful reminder that taxi drivers can find themselves helping people at their most vulnerable. He's a thoroughly deserving Yorkshire and the Humber Taxi Hero and exactly the kind of person these awards were created to recognise."
The prize
Acorn's terms give each regional winner a £100 Amazon gift card, and the national winner a £1,000 Amazon gift card and Britain's Taxi Hero trophy, with the announcement set for Wednesday 11 November 2026. Wray remains in the running. Award terms