Sheffield’s 'man with a pram' fundraiser John Burkhill to be honoured with plaque unveiling at town hall
John’s family are asking sport fans who attend today’s unveiling to wear their favourite teams’ tops - preferably Sheffield United or Sheffield Wednesday
Sheffield’s famous “man with a pram” John Burkhill will be honoured with a plaque outside the town hall today (Tuesday) - recognising his incredible work raising over £1.2 million for Macmillan Cancer Support.
John, who has been instantly recognisable on Sheffield streets in his green wig for nearly 20 years, lost both his wife June and 29-year-old daughter Karen within a single year.
Accompanied by his daughter’s pram, he has tackled countess marathons in aid of charity - becoming a beloved figure across the years.
Now his hometown is set to honour him with a “Sheffield Legends” plaque outside the town hall, a permanent reminder of his incredible work.
Reacting to the news, John said: “Sheffield has always been my home and the people of this city have supported me every step of the way. 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 Sheffield Legends scheme celebrates individuals who have gone on to make huge contributions to the city or receive national and international acclaim.
John’s Sheffield Legends plaque will sit among the likes of Olympian Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill and actor Sean Bean, who are honoured with stars on the town hall square.
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.”
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.”
John’s family are asking sport fans who attend today’s unveiling to wear their favourite teams’ tops, preferably Sheffield United or Sheffield Wednesday in honour of the great man’s love of football - especially the city’s two clubs.