Hartlepool taxi driver Stephen Picton has been crowned ‘Britain’s Best Cabbie’ in the Swinton Taxi Division’s Cabbie of the Year 2013 competition.
42-year-old Stephen was delighted with the news after it was announced at the Private Hire and Taxi Monthly Exhibition at EventCity, in Manchester.
A shocked Stephen said: “I’m absolutely ecstatic – the best in the UK, I can’t believe it!”
Double Win for Hartlepool
Surpirsed Stephen takes the title from fellow Hartlepool taxi driver, John Osborne, who won the award last year.
Stephen commented: “When I found out about the competition last year and saw that a Hartlepool driver has won, I thought there was no way they would have another winner from Hartlepool this year.
“I guess it just shows the calibre of taxi drivers we have in the town!”
Charitable Cabbie
Stephen was nominated by his wife Sandy in honour of his charitable efforts. Through organising and taking part in dozens of fundraising campaigns, Stephen has raised over £50,000 for good causes. And in 2008 the kind-hearted cabbie was able to make terminal cancer patient Jean Steel’s dream come true by funding her trip to Blackpool.
The fun-loving cabbie is also a hit on YouTube after he published his version of Thom Pace’s, Maybe, attracting over 8,000 views.
In between being a proud cabbie, internet hit and charity fundraiser, Stephen makes the trip from Hartlepool to Wales to visit his dad, James, who was diagnosed with dementia last year.
He commented: “My dad has always been so proud of me so he’ll be over the moon.”
The surprised cabbie didn’t expect to win even after all of his generous charity contributions: “At the time when you plan all of the charity fundraisers and events, getting recognition is the last thing on your mind. But it’s lovely to know that people are taking notice and it’s always nice to get a pat on the back.”
Stephen said he hoped his award would help abolish the stereotypes of cabbies, saying: “I remember I heard someone say that all taxi drivers are 18 stone, T-shirt wearing, tattooed layabouts.
“But we’re not just lazy pie-munchers, we have a heart of gold.”
Back to Work
There was no rest for Britain’s Best Cabbie as he returned to work the night he learned of his award.
“For now I’m just ecstatic I’ve won. I guess I’ll have to get a sticker to go on my taxi saying I’m the best!”
Well done to Stephen and keep up the good work!