Maria Sharp, known as Ria, a private hire driver from Wellingborough, is the East Midlands winner of the Acorn Taxi Hero Award 2026. Acorn Insurance names her on its 2026 winners page among 11 regional winners chosen by its judging panel, from more than 1,700 stories. The national winner is due on Wednesday 11 November 2026.
In Wellingborough
With 22 years in the taxi trade, she ran her own taxi business for six years before joining Harrisons Taxi, and has become a familiar and trusted figure in the town. She helped organise a 91st birthday celebration for a regular customer, and has supported homeless outreach, care home residents and local children's projects. The winners page quotes: "Ria doesn't just drive around her community. She is part of it."
A BBC report records that she was recognised for helping older residents, children and people facing hardship, that judges praised her kindness and the time she gives to community and charity projects, and that she will represent the East Midlands in the national final.
The prize
Regional winners each receive a £100 Amazon gift card. The national winner will be crowned Britain's Taxi Hero and receive a £1,000 Amazon gift card and Britain's Taxi Hero trophy.