Pram man launches new push

A CHARITY fundraiser known affectionately as the Mad Man with the Pram yesterday launched a new push which aims to recruit hundreds of others to join him on a Father’s Day walk.

John Burkhill, 73, pictured right, has raised more than £150,000 for Macmillan over the past 20 years after his wife June died of cancer and his daughter Karen also died during an operation. He usually completes his marathon walks alone, but yesterday said he wanted anyone who had been affected by cancer to join him on June 17.

Mr Burkhill, who lives in Sheffield, is a familiar sight around the city and in South Yorkshire, and has drawn up a three-mile and 10-mile route for the event. He said; “The people of South Yorkshire are the best in the country. I would be so proud if all the people of the county who have been affected by cancer would get behind me and Macmillan and join me in this walk.”

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Mr Burkhill has been chosen to carry the Olympic Torch through Sheffield because of his heroic efforts, which have also seen him complete the London Marathon 22 times.

Macmillan fundraiser Rob Turner said Mr Burkhill was “an absolute inspiration”.

To sign up for the event, which will start and finish at Sheffield’s Don Valley Bowl, visit macmillan.org.uk/sheffieldwalk or call 0300 1000 200 Picture: Chris Lawton.