A tribute letter to Sheffield fundraiser Graham Bell

I was so very sorry to hear about a great friend of mine, Graham Bell, who sadly passed away aged 94.
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He took on many challenges and would help anyone who needed it.

The last time I spoke to Graham was a few months ago, before this terrible epidemic of Covid-19 we are all going through at the moment.

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He said to me: “Keep pushing that pram, John, and I’ll see you at the Lowedges Festival.”

94 year old Graham Bell fundraising at Catcliffe Morrisons in Sheffield. Picture: Chris Etchells94 year old Graham Bell fundraising at Catcliffe Morrisons in Sheffield. Picture: Chris Etchells
94 year old Graham Bell fundraising at Catcliffe Morrisons in Sheffield. Picture: Chris Etchells

Sadly, the festival has had to be postponed.

His enthusiasm for raising money was second to none.

He also went around many schools telling the children what it was like in the Second World War.

He had time for each and everyone.

I know the charity close to his heart, SRSB, the Sheffield Royal Society for the Blind, on Mappin Street, will be devastated.

I know that my own charity, Macmillan Cancer Support, sends our deepest sympathy to Graham’s family and the SRSB thanks Graham for all those years of fundraising and friendship together.

Rest in peace pal, I will never forget you. You were simply one of the best.

John ‘the man with the pram’ Burkhill

Handsworth