Sheffield’s ‘Pram Man’ reaches ‘Magic Million’ for Macmillan
Howard Lake | 25 May 2023 | News
One of Sheffield’s most famous fundraisers, John ‘the man with the pram’ Burkhill, has reached his £1 million target for Macmillan Cancer Support.
John, 84, from Handsworth, has been fundraising for Macmillan since 2007 when he initially set a target of £250,000 for the charity. His attention soon turned to the ‘magic million’ mark in 2013 after reaching a that target.
Inspired by the loss of his wife June to cancer just a year after having lost their daughter Karen during a routine procedure, John has taken part in 1,038 races in his life, pushing his late daughter’s pram along the way and collecting donations.
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John Burkhill BEM Bar, BCAv said:
“I’m honestly lost for words. I’m truly humbled by it all and blown away. People have said I’m a ‘hero’ and legend, but those people who have put money in the bucket and donated, they are the heroes.
“I can’t thank everyone enough for their support. They all might think I’m a bit daft, in the nicest possible way, but they got right behind what I’m trying to do for those affected by cancer.”
Cutting a striking figure in his (Macmillan) green wig and sporting a giant foam hand, John has brought smiles to people’s faces wherever he goes.
And, despite reaching his dream target, John has no plans to slow down or even stop. “I’ll keep going,” he said. “People have always asked me what I’ll do when I get there, but I’ve got to carry on.
“I know it’s a bit daft, but when I’m shoving that pram, both my daughter and wife are still with me. They keep me going. As long as I can put one foot in front of the other, I’ll keep going.”
John was chosen to receive the British Empire Medal for his services to charity in 2013 and a second bar for the medal was awarded to John in 2021. He also received the Douglas Macmillan award for his services to Macmillan Cancer Support in 2013 and was recognised with a British Citizens Award for services to charitable giving in January 2023.
Gemma Peters, Chief Executive of Macmillan Cancer Support, said:
“We are immensely proud of John and so grateful for his incredible effort over the last 15 years to achieve his ambition of raising £1million for Macmillan Cancer Support. It is difficult to put into words just how phenomenal this achievement is, as John embodies everything that is good in humanity. He is selfless beyond measure, having overcome such personal tragedy, and has put everybody else first before himself. John really has done whatever it takes for people living with cancer in trekking across the city most days, whatever the weather, and taking part in countless races across country pushing his late daughter’s pram. We thank you, John, from the bottom of our hearts.”
Plans are currently being finalised for a celebration event to thank John for his incredible achievement. His commitment has been recognised from many quarters, including:
- Sheffield Star Voluntary Sector Winner 2003
- Olympic Torch Bearer – 25 June 2012
- The Pride of Yorkshire winner and Pride of Britain nominee 2012
- The British Empire Medal – awarded in 2013
- The Douglas Macmillan Award 2013
- The Jane Tomlinson Award for the performance of the year 2013,
- The Independent Newspaper’s Happy List 2014 (a celebration of the 100 people nationally who enrich our lives with their kindness and care)
- Sheffield Council Civic Award winner 2015
- Sheffield Christmas Lights (switch on) 2015
- 1st Yorkshire Half Marathon official starter 2015
- Distance no Object’ autobiography published 2016
- The Churchill Awards 2017 – Contribution to Charity winner.
- Freedom of Sheffield – April 2019
- British Empire Medal 2nd Award Bar – 2021
- Film premiere Oct 2021 ‘John Burkhill – One in a Million’ at Showroom Cinema, Sheffield
- June 2022, Nomination for BBC ‘Make a Difference’ Award
- October 2022, winner of the JustGiving ‘Outstanding Commitment’ Award
- January 2023, received British Citizens Award at Westminster Palace for services to volunteering and charitable giving
- JustGiving awards celebrate inspiring fundraisers and charities, including ‘Pram Man’ (12 October 2022)
About Howard Lake
Howard Lake is consultant editor of UK Fundraising. He founded the site in 1994 and successfully sold it in 2022. As director of Giving X Ltd he is exploring growing giving on a massive scale.
He is the founder of Fundraising Camp and co-founder of GoodJobs.