Reality TV and TikTok star Matthew Haywood proved himself to be a real-life hero this week (Tuesday 24 March 2026), when his quick thinking and bravery helped save four elderly people whose vehicle had become stranded in rising floodwater.
Haywood, 23, who is perhaps most well-known for winning Survivor UK in 2023, was out for a drive with his brother when the pair noticed a car floating in floodwater on the main road in Seaton, Workington.
Floodwaters threatened to engulf the car
Footage captured by onlookers showed Matthew, his brother Harrison, 20, and other concerned locals rushing to the aid of the vehicle as floodwater threatened to engulf it completely.
Matthew Haywood said:
I’d seen there was people stuck floating in a car and I just thought, I can’t stand and watch that. I knew I had to do something fast. I jumped in and started pulling it, trying to get it to safety. Then more lads came and helped and we managed to get it out. There were four elderly people in the car and it was scary how quickly it was getting worse. I love an adventure, but this wasn’t about that. It just shows how important community is and how people come together when it matters.
Local residents were quick to praise the rescuers, with a post on a community Facebook group describing their actions as “…an incredible display of bravery.” On the same Facebook group, Matthew, as well as the other rescuers, were also described as “true local heroes” for their “…selfless act of heroism.”
He won Survivor, now he helped other survive
In addition to being the youngest-ever winner of the Survivor format globally, Matthew Haywood also has a significant social media following, having amassed more than 255,000 followers and over 5.6 million likes on TikTok. Whilst Matthew’s social media content usually focuses on outdoor adventure, he also uses his platform to be a strong advocate for mental health well-being, especially in young men, and is a keen supporter of the men’s suicide prevention charity Andy’s Man Club.
After a press release by The Prominence Collective.
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