The Man with the Pram: Sheffield's John Burkhill says he will 'keep pushing' after raising £1.25m for charity

Hundreds turned out to cheer outside the city’s Town Hall when the new star was unveiled for John Burkhill on the Sheffield Legends walk of fame.

The unmistakable pram parked at the top of the steps and the green wigs bobbing through the crowd made it clear he was the man behind the recognition – the 87-year-old affectionately known as ‘The Man with the Pram’.

More than 25 years of fundraising, over 1,050 charity races, a Pride of Britain Award and a trailblazing £1.227m raised for Macmillan Cancer Support led to John being honoured with the plaque.

"John is one of Sheffield's best-known and most loved community champions,” said Councillor Andrew Sangar, Lord Mayor of Sheffield. “Following personal tragedy, he has devoted his life to helping others...His kindness, determination and generosity have touched countless lives and made a real difference across our city.”

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The marathon runner is a familiar sight to many, often seen dressed in his signature MacMillan top and green wig, with a foam hand and decorated pram.

John lost his wife, June, to breast cancer in 1992 – a year to the day after they lost their daughter, Karen, during a routine procedure at the age of 29.

The pram which John has used to raise money was originally bought for Karen as a baby. Whilst he’s pushing it, he says he feels both his wife and daughter are with him.

John’s fundraising adventures have seen him take on epic walking challenges across the UK, often covering hundreds of miles for charity.

Along the way, he has inspired thousands of people to donate, volunteer and support good causes, while shining a spotlight on the generosity of communities in Sheffield and beyond.

John originally set a target of raising £250,000 for Macmillan. He had tears in his eyes when he learnt in 2023 that he had smashed his “magic million” – and in the years since, he has shown no signs of slowing as he aims for his second million.

Receiving his star on the Sheffield Legends Walk of Fame, John recited his now-famous poem, ‘My Sheffield, My Home,’ which left households across the UK in tears when he read it at the Pride of Britain Awards in 2023.

Afterwards he said: “To see so many folk turn out, with the fountains in the Peace Gardens turned green, green wigs everywhere, and Sheffield showing me so much love, was something I’ll never forget.

"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 by this recognition.

"I’ve always said I’m just a lad pushing a pram, but 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.

"The job’s not finished yet though, so I’ll keep pushing.”

Councillor Fran Belbin, Leader of Sheffield City Council said: “These plaques create a lasting record of the individuals whose stories are woven into the fabric of Sheffield and whose contributions deserve to be remembered and celebrated for generations to come. John is a fitting addition to that roll of honour.”

Aside from his fundraising, John is also a source of comfort, encouragement and kindness for many. Hundreds of people have approached him during his walks to share their fears, griefs, and personal stories.

Earlier this year he said: “Over the years, walking the streets of Sheffield, I’ve met so many incredible folk whose lives have been touched by cancer.

"Families, friends, neighbours and people who’ve stopped me for a chat and shared their stories – every step I take with the pram is for them.”

Sarah Peet, Macmillan Relationship Fundraising Manager said it is humbling to witness the “warmth and admiration John inspires”.

“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.”

- To donate in support of John’s efforts, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/madwalker