Shafiq Ahmed, a public hire driver from Peterborough, is the East of England winner of the Acorn Taxi Hero Award 2026. Acorn's winners page records more than 30 years in the taxi trade, and more than 1,700 stories about drivers going above and beyond. He puts people first, helping passengers in difficult situations or stopping to assist a stranded motorist, without expecting anything in return. The page quotes his nomination: "He has transported passengers in distress when they are short of money without any hesitation. One in a million."
The stranded motorist
The Peterborough Telegraph reported that Ahmed was travelling to collect a passenger when he saw a woman with a punctured tyre. He contacted his office and handed the booking back so another driver could collect the passenger on time, then stopped to change the tyre. He had given up the fare and refused payment for the help.
Ahmed was "delighted" to be named the East of England Taxi Hero. "I've been driving taxis for more than 30 years, and you meet all sorts of people who sometimes just need a little help."
"For me, it's important to look out for people, whether they're in my taxi or not. I'm very grateful for the nomination and proud to receive this recognition. It's wonderful to see taxi drivers celebrated for the things they do beyond their everyday work."
The prize
On the same winners page, each regional winner receives a £100 Amazon gift card. Ahmed remains in the running for the national title, to be announced on Wednesday 11 November 2026. The winner receives a £1,000 Amazon gift card and Britain's Taxi Hero trophy.