A London taxi driver has become an internet sensation after going to extraordinary lengths to return a £100,000 designer handbag to its owner, with his act of honesty garnering nearly two million views on social media and praise from around the world.
Terry, who drives a traditional black cab in the capital, discovered the black alligator-skin Hermès Kelly Pochette bag after dropping off passenger Hana Al Hai, a Dubai-based fashion entrepreneur, at her Knightsbridge hotel following a journey from Mayfair. The Essex-based cabbie had already returned home when he noticed the luxury accessory in the back of his vehicle.
The taxi driver’s detective work to reunite the bag with its owner has captured global attention, with Al Hai posting heartfelt thanks on social media and offering Terry a holiday to Dubai as a reward. The viral video has also reignited debate about the importance of London’s iconic black cab service amid competition from ride-hailing apps.
Detective Work Leads to Dubai Mall Connection
Rather than simply handing the bag to authorities, Terry embarked on his own investigation to track down the owner. In a video posted to social media, the cabbie explained his process: “I didn’t know it was a Hermès bag. I just picked the bag up, took it inside, had a look inside and there was no phone in there or contact details, just her cards and stuff like that.”
The breakthrough came when Terry discovered a membership card for The Lounge at Dubai Mall inside the bag. He contacted the luxury shopping centre, whose staff were able to identify Al Hai through their records and alert her London hotel about the missing item.
“I could see straight away this wasn’t an ordinary handbag,” Terry said, though he initially didn’t realise its extraordinary value. The black alligator Kelly Pochette is one of Hermès’ most exclusive designs, with similar models fetching over £65,000 ($86,868) at auction.
When Al Hai requested the bag be returned the following day, Terry faced a scheduling conflict with a prior appointment. Despite this, he prioritised returning the valuable item, with Al Hai offering to cover his expenses as all her cards were trapped in the missing bag.
Viral Video Sparks Global Admiration
The footage of Terry returning the bag to a visibly emotional Al Hai has attracted nearly two million views on X (formerly Twitter) and millions more across TikTok and Instagram. In his post, Terry used the opportunity to advocate for London’s black cab industry.
“Returning back a 100k Hermes bag to a Arab lady after leaving it in my taxi, this is why we are the best taxi in the world just a shame our London mayor and government don’t think the same,” he wrote, tagging taxi trade associations.
Al Hai, founder of Pearl Haute Couture in Dubai, expressed profound gratitude in her own social media posts. “It’s rare to meet someone with such integrity and genuine care for others,” she wrote. “Please know how much I appreciate the trouble you went through, and how deeply grateful I am for your actions. You turned what could have been a stressful experience into a reminder of the goodness in people.”
The fashion entrepreneur added: “Thank you once again for going out of your way, I won’t forget it.”
Cabbie Nearly Quit Before Viral Fame
In a poignant revelation, Terry admitted he had been considering leaving the taxi trade before the incident. “Crazy how life goes because I was on the verge of leaving the trade out of pure frustration as most of us cabbies know getting around London has become very challenging,” he shared on social media.
The overwhelming positive response to his actions has “blown him away” and renewed his faith in his profession. Beyond a £200 cash tip, Al Hai extended an invitation for Terry to holiday at a hotel she owns in Dubai, demonstrating her appreciation for his exceptional honesty.
The incident has highlighted the unique challenges facing London’s black cab drivers, who must pass “The Knowledge” – memorising 25,000 streets and 50,000 landmarks – to obtain their licence. Many feel underappreciated despite maintaining high standards of service and trustworthiness.
Industry Praise and Public Support
The Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA) seized upon the incident as evidence of black cab drivers’ professionalism. In a statement, they declared: “London’s cabbies continue to set the gold standard in service and trustworthiness. This driver’s actions exemplify why black cabs remain the safest and most reliable form of transport in London.”
Public reaction has been overwhelmingly supportive, with social media users praising both Terry’s integrity and the broader black cab community. One user commented: “Black cab drivers are well known here in the UK for being utter legends, never charging for trips to children hospitals and the way they honoured the late queen by lining the mall was really touching.”
Another declared: “And this is why Black Cabs are the only cabs you should use in London. Never used Uber, never will.”
Dubai-based journalist Sulaiman Hakemy noted in The National how the incident “transcended cultures,” highlighting shared values of honesty across different societies.
The Mystique of Hermès Bags
The incident has also drawn attention to the exclusive world of Hermès handbags, where obtaining such items requires more than just money. Potential buyers must build relationships with sales associates and often wait years for the opportunity to purchase certain models.
Celebrities including members of the Kardashian family are known collectors of these ultra-luxury accessories. The Kelly Pochette that Terry returned, crafted from rare black alligator skin, represents one of the fashion house’s most coveted designs, with its value reflecting not just materials and craftsmanship but also extreme scarcity.
Terry’s story serves as a heartwarming reminder of human decency in an often cynical world, whilst also highlighting the dedication and integrity of London’s black cab drivers who continue to uphold standards of service that have made them renowned worldwide.
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