‘It’s the only way we can fight this’ – Sheffield’s ‘man with the pram’ gets Covid-19 jab and urges others to follow suit

‘It’s the only way we can fight this’, declared John Burkhill after receiving the Covid-19 vaccine – and now he is urging everyone in Sheffield to follow suit.
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The city’s beloved ‘man with the pram’ wore his distinctive green wig as he was given his first dose of the Pfizer-Biontech jab at Manor Park Medical Centre on Thursday.

Like many others across the country, the Handsworth pensioner has been shielding at home due to the pandemic but is determined to return to his challenge of raising £1 million for Macmillan Cancer Support once it is safe to do so.

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John Burkhill getting covid vaccine at the Manor and Park Group Practice. Practice nurse Michelle Green administers the jab.John Burkhill getting covid vaccine at the Manor and Park Group Practice. Practice nurse Michelle Green administers the jab.
John Burkhill getting covid vaccine at the Manor and Park Group Practice. Practice nurse Michelle Green administers the jab.
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He has now offered his reassurances to those who may be feeling nervous about getting the vaccine, saying it is the only way we can fight Covid-19 in the city.

"A lot of people are nervous and frightened about getting the vaccine,” the 82-year-old said.

“But, there’s nothing to be frightened of at all whether you’re my age group or any age group. We’ll beat it by having this vaccine because it’s the only way we can fight this. It’s an invisible enemy we are fighting.

"I love Sheffield and I love Sheffield people. I just need them to know that the vaccine is easy, it’s nothing to be frightened of.”

John Burkhill said he is feeling great after getting his first covid jab and is now urging others to follow suitJohn Burkhill said he is feeling great after getting his first covid jab and is now urging others to follow suit
John Burkhill said he is feeling great after getting his first covid jab and is now urging others to follow suit
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"The virus is spreading out of control so we’ve got to do it or we’ll never beat this thing. It’s spreading out of control so if I can put people at ease then that’s great.

"Sheffield will be safer if we all have the vaccine. It’s simple, it’s easy, there really is nothing to worry about all.”

As well as missing out on his fundraising, John says he is also saddened to have not been involved in the regular races he has taken part in for decades including the ‘Star walk’ he had planned to do on his 82nd birthday on January 4.

John added: “I’ve missed going out so much, I really have. I can’t wait to get out and about again and see all my friends.

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"The only person I think that has been happy has been my mascot on the front of the pram – he can’t understand what is going off. I’ll make him work twice as hard once I do get out and about, don’t worry about that!”