'Man with a pram' John Burkhill to be honoured with 'Sheffield Legends' star outside town hall
“Sheffield has always been my home and the people of this city have supported me every step of the way”
One of Sheffield’s most famous and loved icons is set to be honoured with a new plaque outside the city’s town hall.
Almost everyone has heard of the ‘man with a pram’ John Burkhill, who has raised more than £1.2 million for Macmillan Cancer Support after losing both his wife June and 29-year-old daughter Karen within a single year.
Dressed in his now legendary green with and pushing his daughter’s pram, he has tackled countess marathons in aid of charity - becoming a beloved figure in the process.
Now, his hometown is set to honour him with a ‘Sheffield Legends’ plaque outside town hall, a permanent reminder of his incredible work.
“Sheffield has always been my home and the people of this city have supported me every step of the way,” John said in response to the news.
“I'm incredibly proud and humbled to receive this recognition.
“If my fundraising has encouraged even one person to support Macmillan or help someone affected by cancer, then every mile and every push of the pram has been worthwhile.
“As long as I'm able, I'll keep pushing the pram, raising awareness and supporting Macmillan.”
The plaque is set to be unveiled on the town hall steps on Tuesday, September 29.
It will be followed by a civic reception attended by invited guests, community representatives and supporters.
Councillor Andrew Sangar, Lord Mayor of Sheffield, said: “John Burkhill is one of Sheffield's best-known and most loved community champions.
“Following personal tragedy, he devoted his life to helping others and has gone on to raise more than £1.2 million for Macmillan.
“His kindness, determination and generosity have touched countless lives and made a real difference across our city. It is only fitting that we recognise his remarkable contribution with a Sheffield Legends plaque.”
The Sheffield Legends scheme celebrates individuals who have gone on to make massive contributions to the city or receive national and international acclaim.
It already features the likes of Olympian Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill and actor Sean Bean, who are honoured with stars on the town hall square
Sarah Peet, Macmillan relationship fundraising manager, added: “We are incredibly proud and thrilled that John has been honoured in this way by his beloved city and the people of Sheffield.
“We are also eternally grateful to John and the amazing people of Sheffield who have supported him over the last 2 decades to raise over £1.2 million for Macmillan Cancer Support.
“Every step he has taken and every penny he has raised has made a real difference to people living with cancer and their families helping us to do whatever it takes to make cancer care fairer for everyone.
“It is incredibly humbling to walk with John through Sheffield city centre and witness first-hand the warmth and admiration he inspires. John, is a true Sheffield star.”