Wellingborough cabbie wins Taxi Hero award for bringing kindness to her community

A Wellingborough taxi driver who goes out of her way to support older residents, local children and people experiencing hardship has been named the East Midlands regional winner of the Acorn Taxi Hero Award.

Competing against over 1,700 nominees nationally, Maria Sharp, known as Ria, has been recognised for her ongoing commitment to her local community, giving up her own time to support charitable events and making thoughtful gestures that have a lasting impact on those around her.

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.

Making a difference through everyday acts of kindness

Through her work with Harrisons in Wellingborough, Ria has become a familiar face in the community. When a regular passenger celebrated his 91st birthday, she joined forces with the team at the local pub, The Royal Oak, to help make the occasion special, attending the celebration herself and spending time with him.

Her kindness extends well beyond her passengers. Earlier this year, Ria volunteered at Face to Face Solutions’ “Help the Homeless” event in Wellingborough, providing practical support to people experiencing hardship. At Easter, she helped deliver eggs and goodie bags to children at Hemmingwell Community & Skills Centre Breakfast Club, and visited Rosewood Court Care Home with Easter gifts, hampers and Harrisons vouchers for residents.

Ria has also supported local community events including Vic Farm Fest, which raised £4,347.60 for Cransley Hospice in 2025. Rather than simply donating or promoting these causes, she regularly turns up in person, giving her time and getting involved.

Her nomination praised the personal connections she builds with people of all ages, from older passengers celebrating milestones to children and care home residents enjoying unexpected gifts. As the nomination put it: “Ria doesn’t just drive around her community. She is part of it.”

Maria Sharp, East Midlands regional winner, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have been named the East Midlands Taxi Hero. I’ve got to know so many lovely people through driving for Harrisons, and when there’s a chance to help someone or make their day a little brighter, I’m always happy to get involved.

“Whether it’s celebrating a special birthday, helping at a local event or visiting residents at a care home, it’s about making time for people. I’m really proud to represent Wellingborough and I’m looking forward to the national winner being announced. Whatever happens, it’s fantastic to see taxi drivers getting this kind of recognition.”

Ash Coakley, Head of Taxi Insurance at Acorn Group, said: “Taxi drivers are often at the heart of their communities, and Ria is a brilliant example of the difference they can make beyond their day-to-day work.

“From helping celebrate a passenger’s 91st birthday to supporting people experiencing homelessness, local children and care home residents, she consistently gives her own time to make life a little better for others. It’s that personal commitment, across so many different activities, that makes her story stand out.

“Ria has clearly built strong relationships across Wellingborough and is always ready to get involved when there’s an opportunity to help. She’s a thoroughly deserving East Midlands Taxi Hero and exactly the kind of person these awards were created to recognise.”

Recognising those that go above and beyond

The winners were selected by a judging panel drawn from the taxi and insurance sectors.

Maria 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.