Shafiq Ahmed named Acorn’s East of England Taxi Hero for his kindness to passengers and strangers in need
A taxi driver from Peterborough who gave up a fare to help a stranded motorist change a punctured tyre has been named the East of England regional winner of the Acorn Taxi Hero Award.
Competing against over 1,700 nominees nationally, Shafiq Ahmed has been recognised for more than three decades of caring for passengers and helping members of the public, often putting the needs of others ahead of his own earnings.
Acorn Insurance, the UK’s largest taxi insurance specialist, launched the awards to celebrate the unsung heroes of Britain’s taxi industry – drivers who demonstrate exceptional acts of bravery, kindness and dedication for their passengers and communities, often without receiving the recognition they deserve.
More than three decades of putting others first
Shafiq has worked as a taxi driver for over 30 years, earning a reputation for his considerate approach to passengers and his willingness to help people in need. On one occasion, while travelling to collect a passenger, he noticed a woman stranded with a punctured tyre. Rather than drive past, he contacted his office and handed the booking back so another driver could collect the passenger on time.
Shafiq then stopped to help the woman change her tyre. Although he had given up the fare to assist her, he refused the money, choosing instead to help without expecting anything in return.
His generosity extends to his passengers too. According to his nomination, Shafiq has also helped people who were distressed or short of money, ensuring they could make their journeys without hesitation.
The nomination praised Shafiq as a caring and considerate driver who goes out of his way to help passengers and strangers alike, describing him as “one in a million”.
Shafiq Ahmed, East of England regional winner, said:
“I’m delighted to have been 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. When I saw the woman with a punctured tyre, I knew I could lend a hand, so I arranged for another driver to collect my passenger.”
“I never expected anything in return. 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.”
Ash Coakley, Head of Taxi Insurance at Acorn Group, said:
“Taxi drivers are often at the heart of their communities, and Shafiq is a brilliant example of the difference they can make beyond their day-to-day work.
“After more than 30 years behind the wheel, he still makes time to help people when they need it. Giving up a fare to assist a stranded motorist, while making sure his passenger was collected on time, shows real consideration for everyone involved. His willingness to help passengers who are struggling financially speaks to that same generosity.
“Shafiq’s kindness and thoughtfulness are exactly what the Taxi Hero Awards were created to recognise. He’s a thoroughly deserving East of England Taxi Hero.”
Recognising those that go above and beyond
The winners were selected by a judging panel drawn from the taxi and insurance sectors.
Shafiq will receive a £100 Amazon gift card and is in the running for the national title, with the overall winner set to receive a £1,000 Amazon gift card and the inaugural Britain’s Taxi Hero trophy.
The national winner will be announced on Wednesday 11 November 2026.
