A London taxi driver who returned approximately £10,000 in cash and two passports left in his cab, and regularly helps families travelling to Great Ormond Street Hospital, has been named the London regional winner of the Acorn Taxi Hero Award.
Competing against over 1,700 nominees nationally, Michael O’Flynn has been recognised for his remarkable honesty and generosity, from personally tracking down passengers to return their lost belongings to providing free journeys and volunteering his time to support families.
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.
Honesty, compassion and going the extra mile
When Michael discovered approximately £10,000 in cash and two passports left in the back of his taxi, he went out of his way to reunite the belongings with their owners. Drawing on his memory of previous journeys, he retraced his steps, located the passengers and personally returned everything that same day, in his own time.
His kindness extends to families facing difficult circumstances. According to his nomination, Michael regularly offers free journeys to parents whose children are receiving treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital, as well as to nurses working there, hoping to make an already difficult time a little easier.
He also volunteers each year with the Children’s Magical Taxi Tour, which brings together around 100 London black cabs to take children and their families to Disneyland Paris. Michael gives up his own time to help families enjoy a break from hospital appointments and create happier memories together.
The nomination also describes smaller acts of generosity, including sharing meals earned through loyalty rewards with people experiencing homelessness and passing on unclaimed hats, gloves and scarves to those who need them. Together, these gestures reflect a driver who consistently puts others first without seeking recognition or reward.
Michael O’Flynn, London regional winner, 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 Group, 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.”
Recognising those that go above and beyond
The winners were selected by a judging panel drawn from the taxi and insurance sectors.
Michael 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.
