Acorn Insurance has named Michael O'Flynn, a public hire driver from Welwyn Garden City, the London winner of the Acorn Taxi Hero Award 2026. Its note on the winner records 21 years in the taxi trade, the return of £10,000 in lost cash and passports, support for families connected with Great Ormond Street Hospital, and volunteering with the Children's Magical Taxi Tour.
London Post reported the award on Wednesday 4 November 2026. The cash was about £10,000, left with two passports in the back of his taxi. He remembered earlier journeys, retraced his steps, found the passengers and handed everything back the same day, in his own time. His nomination says he regularly offers free journeys to parents whose children are being treated at Great Ormond Street Hospital, and to nurses who work there. He volunteers each year with the Children's Magical Taxi Tour, which brings together about 100 London black cabs to take children and their families to Disneyland Paris. The nomination also describes meals from loyalty rewards shared with people who are homeless, and unclaimed hats, gloves and scarves passed on to people who need them.
In his words
Michael O'Flynn said: "I'm absolutely delighted to be named London's Taxi Hero. When someone leaves something valuable in your cab, you want to make sure it gets back to them. Returning the money and passports was simply the right thing to do.
"Having been a Magical Taxi Tour driver for 20 years, I've witnessed firsthand the amazing work that this charity does providing a once-in-a-lifetime experience for children and their families.
"All credit should go to the committee members who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make it happen. The work they do is truly priceless.
"I also know that a journey can mean much more to someone who is going through a difficult time. If I can make life a little easier for a family or help put a smile on someone's face, that means a lot. I'm very grateful for this recognition and proud to be part of London's taxi trade."
Ash Coakley, head of taxi insurance at Acorn Insurance, said: "Taxi drivers are often at the heart of their communities, and Michael is a wonderful example of the difference they can make beyond their day-to-day work.
"Returning a large sum of money and two passports personally, in his own time, speaks volumes about his integrity. But what makes his story especially moving is the time and care he gives to families connected with Great Ormond Street Hospital and the Children's Magical Taxi Tour.
"His generosity, honesty and compassion embody everything the Taxi Hero Awards were created to celebrate. Michael is a thoroughly deserving London Taxi Hero."
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 O'Flynn remains in the running. Acorn puts the number of stories it heard at more than 1,700.