Recognition for ‘man with pram’

charity fundraiser John Burk-
hill has devoted his life to money-spinning activities and today is recognised with the award of a British Empire Medal.

The pensioner from Sheffield has covered thousands of miles in walks, marathons and half-marathons and for most of his exploits has pushed a 1950s pram, becoming a familiar sight in Steel City where he this year also carried the Olympic Torch.

Many of his walks have also 
been long-distance efforts, returning to Sheffield from places as far afield as Blackpool and Land’s End.

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He said he had been left in tears at the award which was a “great great honour” but his fundraising would have been “impossible” without the generosity of so many people.

“I don’t think I will ever stop – I’ll keep going until I can’t walk any more,” he said.

He has raised cash for various charities ranging from a local dogs home to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

He raised more than £10,000 by running 10 marathons for Children in Crisis and has collected more than £130,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support towards a target of £250,000.

He also makes a daily visit to the palliative care unit at Sheffield’s Northern General Hospital to raise patients’ spirits.

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