Mayor says report will tackle 'stark health inequalities that plague South Yorkshire'

Developed by a panel of experts, including Emeritus Professor Alan Walker from the University of Sheffield’s Health Lifespan Institute, it recommends radical prevention, health equity in all policies and an inclusive economy.

It calls for South Yorkshire’s children to be active every day, a reduction in rough sleeping and homelessness and a promotion of active travel across the region.

Mr Coppard launched the report yesterday from Southey Green, in Sheffield, and said that if successful it could increase overall life expectancy by five years.

He told The Yorkshire Post about the tragic death of his schoolfriend, which he said “articulates the challenge that is faced by all too many communities across this region”.

Idris Ahmed, a Somali refugee who moved to Sheffield, was a talented middle-distance runner who would beat Mo Farah.

“He died the same month that I became mayor, early in his 40s,” Mr Coppard said.

“He had a heart problem which stopped him running - and because his family didn’t know how to navigate the health service he never got it fixed, and he passed away.

“Being born in South Yorkshire means people live shorter lives and people live less healthy lives, and I’m not prepared to accept it.”

Mr Coppard added that he thought the report would get the Government to “row in behind our ambitions”.